Predictors of Engagement in a Coping and Communication Support Intervention for Older Patients with Advanced Cancer

OBJECTIVES: To examine patterns and predictors of engagement in a coping and communication support (CCS) intervention tailored to the preferences of middle‐aged and older patients in the early treatment phase for late‐stage cancer. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial examining processes and outcomes of a CCS intervention for patients with late‐stage cancer over time. SETTING: Two ambulatory cancer clinics providing care for underserved populations in Cleveland. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred nine middle‐aged (MA: aged 40–60) and 101 young‐old (YO: aged 61–80) patients randomized to the CCS intervention, surviving to 3 months after enrollment and averaging 2 months of 24/7 access to the intervention. MEASUREMENTS: Engagement was assessed in the average number of patient–CCS practitioner (CCSP) contacts per month during the initial 2 months of access to the intervention. Baseline data from patient interviews and chart reviews were used to test a model of prediction. RESULTS: MA patients averaged more patient–CCSP contacts per month than YO patients (mean 2.6 ± 2.5 vs 2.0 ± 1.2, P=.02), although both age groups were engaged. African‐American patients (P=.007) and those with a higher blunting style (P