Article
The co-production, implementation and evaluation of a primary-care focussed digital support tool for patients with prostate cancer
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Authors
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Patricia Schartau
- University College London, Research Department of Primary Care & Population Health, London, Großbritannien
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Ann Blandford
- University College London, Department of Computer Science, London, Großbritannien
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Shoumik Choudhury
- University College London, Research Department of Primary Care & Population Health, London, Großbritannien
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Chris Robson
- LivingWith Company, Großbritannien
| Published: | September 27, 2023 |
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Outline
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Hintergrund: Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. GPs are at the heart of a multi-disciplinary team looking after affected patients. Novel treatments and care models have improved outcomes but still leave men with unmet needs, such as emotional, informational, lifestyle and treatment side-effect support.
Fragestellung: Is it possible to develop a feasible and acceptable holistic digital health intervention (DHI) which addresses these needs?
Methoden: A theory based, multi-disciplinary co-production approach was used. To develop the DHI, key user needs were elicited from a systematic review, patient focus groups (n=24) and healthcare professional (HCP) interviews (n=8). Patient needs were grouped into overarching themes and translated into digital solutions by patients and multi-disciplinary HCPs. A mixed methods evaluation pilot study (n= 8) was conducted.
Ergebnisse: The app connects to a virtual ward accessible to GPs and HCPs involved in the patient’s care. It offers direct messaging and the collation of patient reported outcome measures to monitor mental and physical health and quality of life. It offers peer support, hundreds of relevant content articles/videos, self-tracking of symptoms, goal setting (e.g. physical activity) and multi-step sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor exercise programmes for rehabilitation. Results from patient interviews and app usage data demonstrated feasibility, acceptability and self-perceived effectiveness.
Diskussion: This co-produced app provides holistic supporting care for patients living with and beyond prostate cancer. Patients felt empowered, more in control of their symptoms and lives and managed to integrate the app into their lives. It is expected to improve patient experiences and outcomes, relieve pressures on the healthcare system at minimal cost and streamline shared care between primary and secondary care teams.
Take Home Message für die Praxis: To make digitally enabled healthcare, digital health interventions should be theory and evidence based, co-produced and tailored towards the target group’s needs and level of digital functionality for maximal impact.
