scholarly journals Cancer survivors’ attitudes towards and knowledge of physical activity, sources of information, and barriers and facilitators of engagement: A qualitative study

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. e12641 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Smith ◽  
H. Croker ◽  
A. Fisher ◽  
K. Williams ◽  
J. Wardle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Sources Of Information

scholarly journals Cancer Survivors’ Receptiveness to Digital Technology–Supported Physical Rehabilitation and the Implications for Design: Qualitative Study

10.2196/15335 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. e15335
Author(s):  
Sine Rossen ◽  
Lars Kayser ◽  
Jette Vibe-Petersen ◽  
Jesper Frank Christensen ◽  
Mathias Ried-Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Cancer Rehabilitation ◽  
Rehabilitation Services ◽  
Or Efficiency ◽  
Technology Services ◽  
Readiness Level

Background Physical activity is associated with a positive prognosis in cancer survivors and may decrease the risk of adverse effects of treatment. Accordingly, physical activity programs are recommended as a part of cancer rehabilitation services. Digital technology may support cancer survivors in increasing their level of physical activity and increase the reach or efficiency of cancer rehabilitation services, yet it also comes with a range of challenges. Objective The aim of this qualitative study was to explore cancer survivors’ receptiveness to using digital technology as a mode of support to increase their physical activity in a municipality-based cancer rehabilitation setting. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 cancer survivors (3 males, 8 females, age range 32-82 years) who were referred for cancer rehabilitation and had participated in a questionnaire survey using the Readiness and Enablement Index for Health Technology (READHY) questionnaire. Data analysis was based on the content analysis method. Results Two themes were identified as important for the interviewees’ receptiveness to using digital technology services in connection with their physical activity during rehabilitation: their attitude toward physical activity and their attitude toward digital technology–assisted physical activity. Our results indicated that it is important to address the cancer survivors’ motivation for using technology for physical activity and their individual preferences in terms of the following: (1) incidental or structured (eg, cardiovascular and strength exercises or disease-specific rehabilitative exercises) physical activity; (2) social or individual context; and (3) instruction (know-how) or information (know-why). Conclusions The identified preferences provide new insight that complements the cancer survivors’ readiness level and can likely help designers, service providers, and caregivers provide solutions that increase patient receptiveness toward technology-assisted physical activity. Combining digital technology informed by cancer survivors’ needs, preferences, and readiness with the capacity building of the workforce can aid in tailoring digital solutions to suit not only individuals who are receptive to using such technologies but also those reluctant to do so.

Cancer Survivors’ Receptiveness to Digital Technology–Supported Physical Rehabilitation and the Implications for Design: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sine Rossen ◽  
Lars Kayser ◽  
Jette Vibe-Petersen ◽  
Jesper Frank Christensen ◽  
Mathias Ried-Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Cancer Rehabilitation ◽  
Rehabilitation Services ◽  
Or Efficiency ◽  
Technology Services ◽  
Readiness Level

BACKGROUND Physical activity is associated with a positive prognosis in cancer survivors and may decrease the risk of adverse effects of treatment. Accordingly, physical activity programs are recommended as a part of cancer rehabilitation services. Digital technology may support cancer survivors in increasing their level of physical activity and increase the reach or efficiency of cancer rehabilitation services, yet it also comes with a range of challenges. OBJECTIVE The aim of this qualitative study was to explore cancer survivors’ receptiveness to using digital technology as a mode of support to increase their physical activity in a municipality-based cancer rehabilitation setting. METHODS Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 cancer survivors (3 males, 8 females, age range 32-82 years) who were referred for cancer rehabilitation and had participated in a questionnaire survey using the Readiness and Enablement Index for Health Technology (READHY) questionnaire. Data analysis was based on the content analysis method. RESULTS Two themes were identified as important for the interviewees’ receptiveness to using digital technology services in connection with their physical activity during rehabilitation: their attitude toward physical activity and their attitude toward digital technology–assisted physical activity. Our results indicated that it is important to address the cancer survivors’ motivation for using technology for physical activity and their individual preferences in terms of the following: (1) incidental or structured (eg, cardiovascular and strength exercises or disease-specific rehabilitative exercises) physical activity; (2) social or individual context; and (3) instruction (know-how) or information (know-why). CONCLUSIONS The identified preferences provide new insight that complements the cancer survivors’ readiness level and can likely help designers, service providers, and caregivers provide solutions that increase patient receptiveness toward technology-assisted physical activity. Combining digital technology informed by cancer survivors’ needs, preferences, and readiness with the capacity building of the workforce can aid in tailoring digital solutions to suit not only individuals who are receptive to using such technologies but also those reluctant to do so.

scholarly journals Breast Cancer Survivors’ Perspectives on Motivational and Personalization Strategies in Mobile App–Based Physical Activity Coaching Interventions: Qualitative Study

10.2196/18867 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e18867
Author(s):  
Francisco Monteiro-Guerra ◽  
Gabriel Ruiz Signorelli ◽  
Octavio Rivera-Romero ◽  
Enrique Dorronzoro-Zubiete ◽  
Brian Caulfield
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Perceived Control ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
White Women ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Dynamic Adjustment

Background Despite growing evidence supporting the vital benefits of physical activity (PA) for breast cancer survivors, the majority do not meet the recommended levels of activity. Mobile app–based PA coaching interventions might be a feasible strategy to facilitate adherence of breast cancer survivors to the PA guidelines. To engage these individuals, PA apps need to be specifically designed based on their needs and preferences and to provide targeted support and motivation. However, more information is needed to understand how these technologies can provide individual and relevant experiences that have the ability to increase PA adherence and retain the individual’s interest in the long term. Objective The aim of this study is to explore insights from breast cancer survivors on motivational and personalization strategies to be used in PA coaching apps and interventions. Methods A qualitative study was conducted, using individual semistructured interviews, with 14 breast cancer survivors. The moderator asked open-ended questions and made use of a slideshow presentation to elicit the participants’ perspectives on potential mobile app–based intervention features. Transcribed interviews were evaluated by 3 reviewers using thematic content analysis. Results Participants (mean age 53.3, SD 8.7 years) were White women. In total, 57% (8/14) of the participants did not adhere to the PA guidelines. In general, participants had access to and were interested in using technology. The identified themes included (1) barriers to PA, (2) psychological mediators of PA motivation, (3) needs and suggestions for reinforcing motivation support, (4) personalization aspects of the PA coaching experience, and (5) technology trustworthiness. Motivational determinants included perceived control, confidence and perceived growth, and connectedness. Participants were interested in having a straightforward app for monitoring and goal setting, which would include a prescribed activity program and schedule, and positive communication. Opinions varied in terms of social and game-like system possibilities. In addition, they expressed a desire for a highly personalized coaching experience based on as much information collected from them as possible (eg, disease stage, physical limitations, preferences) to provide individualized progress information, dynamic adjustment of the training plan, and context-aware activity suggestions (eg, based on weather and location). Participants also wanted the app to be validated or backed by professionals and were willing to share their data in exchange for a more personalized experience. Conclusions This work suggests the need to develop simple, guiding, encouraging, trustworthy, and personalized PA coaching apps. The findings are in line with behavioral and personalization theories and methods that can be used to inform intervention design decisions. This paper opens new possibilities for the design of personalized and motivating PA coaching app experiences for breast cancer survivors, which might ultimately facilitate the sustained adherence of these individuals to the recommended levels of activity.

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