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Development of an app for lung cancer survivors (iEXHALE) to increase exercise activity and improve symptoms of fatigue, breathlessness and depression
Author(s) -
Henshall Catherine,
Davey Zoe
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.5252
Subject(s) - psychosocial , usability , psychological intervention , lung cancer , medicine , physical therapy , focus group , depression (economics) , self management , cancer , psychology , clinical psychology , nursing , oncology , psychiatry , computer science , human–computer interaction , marketing , machine learning , economics , business , macroeconomics
Objective Exercise‐based self‐management interventions are recommended for lung cancer survivors and can provide physical, psychosocial and emotional relief. Mobile health technologies can encourage self‐management; however, currently, no cancer‐related app addresses exercise‐specific needs of lung cancer survivors . This paper details the design, development and testing of an exercise app for lung cancer survivors (iEXHALE), which aims to increase exercise activity and improve symptoms. Methods The research had two stages: (1) focus groups with healthcare professionals, patients and family members (n=21) and (2) app development and usability study with lung cancer survivors (n=6). The Capability, Opportunity, Motivation‐Behaviour model was used as a theoretical framework; data were thematically analysed. Results Focus group findings identified many helpful exercises for managing lung cancer survivors' symptoms. These findings, alongside relevant literature, informed iEXHALE's content and design. The usability study found that lung cancer survivors valued iEXHALE's self‐management capabilities but identified potential modifications including improved self‐monitoring diaries and navigation. Conclusions iEXHALE's development has been theoretically and empirically informed, showing value as a self‐management tool. Next, we will test its effectiveness, acceptability and cost‐effectiveness.