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Development and usability evaluation of an online self‐management intervention for fear of cancer recurrence ( iConquerFear )
Author(s) -
Smith Allan “Ben”,
BamgbojeAyodele Adeola,
Butow Phyllis,
Klein Britt,
Turner Jane,
Sharpe Louise,
Fardell Joanna,
Beatty Lisa,
Pearce Alison,
Thewes Belinda,
Beith Jane,
Girgis Afaf
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.5218
Subject(s) - usability , thematic analysis , psychological intervention , focus group , psychology , self management , think aloud protocol , applied psychology , medical education , qualitative research , medicine , nursing , computer science , human–computer interaction , social science , marketing , machine learning , sociology , business
Objective To develop and evaluate the usability of iConquerFear , an online self‐management adaptation of an efficacious face‐to‐face therapist‐delivered treatment for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). Methods iConquerFear development was theory based and person based. Development was guided by Ritterband et al's behaviour change model for internet interventions. iConquerFear end users (cancer survivors) provided iterative feedback in accordance with Yardley et al's person‐based approach to maximise engagement and usability. Online focus groups and cognitive interviews were conducted to evaluate the usability of iConquerFear . Discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. Results Five online FCR modules were developed. Twenty‐three cancer survivors (47% of those eligible) participated; 11/23 (58%) were breast cancer survivors, and average age was 53 years (SD = 10.8). Thematic saturation was reached after six focus groups (n = 16) and seven individual think‐aloud interviews. Thematic analysis produced five overarching themes: easy navigation essential; satisfaction and engagement with content; flexible access is key; normalising and empowering; and a useful first step. Conclusions Online self‐management interventions like iConquerFear have the potential to address the unmet supportive care needs reported by burgeoning numbers of cancer survivors. However, that potential may not be realised unless interventions are rigorously developed and user tested, as benefits are constrained by limited engagement. Themes from the usability testing of iConquerFear highlight the importance of developing flexible, tailored, interactive, and contextual online self‐management interventions for people with cancer.