Delivering a Group-Based Quality of Life Intervention to Young Adult Cancer Survivors via a Web Platform: Feasibility Trial.

BACKGROUND

Young adult (YA) cancer survivors frequently report unmet health information and peer support needs, as well as poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). YAs also have expressed a desire that behavioral interventions be convenient. In response to this, our team has developed a 10-week, group-based, supportive care intervention titled TOGETHER to improve YA cancer survivors' HRQOL. TOGETHER is delivered via videoconference and has shown initial feasibility, acceptability, and promise for improving HRQOL among YA survivors.

OBJECTIVE

In an effort to increase convenience, the goal of this 2-part study was to design and test a website to host the TOGETHER intervention for YA cancer survivors aged 18-39 years at the time of participation and aged 15-39 years at the time of initial cancer diagnosis.

METHODS

In part 1, we leveraged an existing web-based platform and adapted it to meet the needs of TOGETHER. We conducted 3 iterative waves of usability testing with 3 YAs per wave to refine the website. In part 2, we conducted a single-group feasibility trial of TOGETHER using the website. Primary outcomes were feasibility (ie, recruitment, retention, and attendance) and acceptability (ie, satisfaction).

RESULTS

Usability testing participants (n=9) indicated that the TOGETHER website was easy to use (mean 5.9, SD 1.3) and easy to learn (mean 6.5, SD 0.9; possible ranges 1-7). Qualitative feedback identified needed revisions to the aesthetics (eg, images), content (eg, session titles), function (eg, clarity of functionality), and structure (eg, expandable sections), which were implemented. In the feasibility trial, participants (n=7) were an average of 25 (SD 4.7) years old and mostly non-Hispanic White (n=4, 57%). Recruitment (58%) and retention (71%) rates and average session attendance (mean 7.1 , SD 4.2) supported feasibility. Participant agreement with positive statements about TOGETHER and average satisfaction ratings (mean 5.06, SD 1.64; possible range: 1-7) demonstrated acceptability.

CONCLUSIONS

Results supported the usability, feasibility, and acceptability of the TOGETHER program and website. By providing the content digitally, the program effectively addresses YAs' expressed preference for convenience. Future studies are needed to increase TOGETHER's efficiency and explore its efficacy for improving targeted outcomes.