Reduced Healthcare Costs and Enhanced Workforce Productivity Through a Telehealth Lifestyle Intervention for Cancer Survivors

Background/Objectives: Cancer survivors often face persistent physical, emotional, and financial burdens, yet engagement in structured lifestyle interventions remains low. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a synchronous telehealth lifestyle intervention on total medical expenses and cancer-related health outcomes. Methods: A decentralized randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted across 33 U.S. states, recruiting a total of 158 adult cancer survivors via social media advertisements. Participants, who had undergone cancer treatment in the last 12 months, were randomly assigned to an intervention (n=84) or a control group (n=74). The intervention group received 45-minute live coaching sessions via Complement Theory’s online application, while the control group was given access to standard lifestyle recommendations via the online application. The primary endpoint was total healthcare expenditures, with secondary endpoints including quality of life (FACT-G scores), absenteeism, and presenteeism. A 90-day interim analysis was conducted using a difference-in-differences (DiD) approach and linear mixed regression. Results: Intervention adherence at 90 days was significantly higher (86% vs. 15%). The intervention group experienced a 56% relative reduction in medical expenses (DiD = $14,955, p = 0.0089) and improved FACT-G scores (DiD = 10.84, p = 0.0002), with gains in functional, emotional, social, and physical well-being (p < 0.01). Presenteeism metrics, including motivation (p = 0.0332) and work performance (p = 0.013), showed significant improvements. Absenteeism improved but was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This interim analysis suggests that synchronous coaching via a telehealth platform enhances adherence, reduces healthcare costs, improves quality of life, and increases work productivity in cancer survivors. Further evaluation is ongoing.