Development of a theory based online intervention for post-treatment cancer survivors

Abstract

Background: This talk will outline the rationale, decision-making processes, methods and findings which led to the development of an online intervention to be tested in a feasibility trial. The theory-based, online intervention aimed to facilitate self-management and enhance coping with fatigue following cancer treatment. Methods: A review of existing literature was conducted and findings suggested that cognitive-behavioural therapy may be an effective intervention. Qualitative research indicated that using the Self-regulation Model to describe fatigue after cancer may provide an integrated theoretical model for developing interventions for fatigue based on cognitive–behavioural principles. The findings of the preparatory deductive and inductive research were collated to create a draft content manual and plan for the structure of the website. An iterative review process then took place with the design team examining the different sessions. Inductive qualitative research was conducted to assess usability of the website. Findings: The intervention was considered acceptable to users, the researchers created a protocol for a feasibility study. Discussion: Despite being a complex and multifaceted intervention, transparency was sought by detailing the components of the intervention, the proposed mechanisms of change. Efforts were made to reduce the ‘black box’ criticism of interventions by offering a clear description of the intended intervention, and how it is expected to work, prior to its evaluation. This is the ï¬rst intervention of its kind based on SRM theory, with the primary aim of targeting the representations of fatigue and enhancing self-management of CrF speciï¬cally.