PURPOSE: This formative research study describes the development and preliminary evaluation of a theory-guided, online multimedia psycho-educational program (PROGRESS) designed to facilitate adaptive coping among prostate cancer patients transitioning from treatment into long-term survivorship.
METHODS: Guided by the Cognitive-Social Health Information Processing Model (C-SHIP) and using health communications best practices, we conducted a two-phase, qualitative formative research study with early stage prostate cancer patients (n = 29) to inform the Web program development. Phase 1 included individual (n = 5) and group (n = 12) interviews to help determine intervention content and interface. Phase 2 employed iterative user/usability testing (n = 12) to finalize the intervention. Interview data were independently coded and collectively analyzed to achieve consensus.
RESULTS: Survivors expressed interest in action-oriented content on (1) managing treatment side effects, (2) handling body image and comorbidities related to overweight/obesity, (3) coping with emotional and communication issues, (4) tips to reduce disruptions of daily living activities, and (5) health skills training tools. Patients also desired the use of realistic and diverse survivor images.
CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of an established theoretical framework, application of multimedia intervention development best practices, and an evidence-based approach to content and format resulted in a psycho-educational tool that comprehensively addresses survivors' needs in a tailored fashion.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: The results suggest that an interactive Web-based multimedia program is useful for survivors if it covers the key topics of symptom control, emotional well-being, and coping skills training; this tool has the potential to be disseminated and implemented as an adjunct to routine clinical care.
Written by:
Miller SM, Hudson SV, Hui SK, Diefenbach MA, Fleisher L, Raivitch S, Belton T, Roy G, Njoku A, Scarpato J, Viterbo R, Buyyounouski M, Denlinger C, Miyamoto C, Reese A, Baman J. Are you the author?
Department of Psychosocial and Behavioral Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple University Health System, Robert C. Young Pavilion, 333 Cottman Avenue-4th Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA.
Reference: J Cancer Surviv. 2015 Feb 20. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1007/s11764-015-0431-5
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25697335