Development and preliminary testing of PROGRESS: a Web-based education program for prostate cancer survivors transitioning from active treatment

Abstract

Purpose This formative research study describes the development and preliminary evaluation of a theory-guided, on-line multimedia psycho-educational program (PROGRESS) designed to facilitate adaptive coping among prostate cancer patients transitioning from treatment into long-term survivorship. Methods Guided by the Cognitive-Social Health Information Processing Model (C-SHIP) and using health communications best practices, we conducted a two phase, qualitative formative research study with early stage prostate cancer patients (n=29) to inform the web program development. Phase 1 included individual (n=5) and group (n=12) interviews to help determine intervention content and interface. Phase 2 employed iterative user/usability testing (n=12) to finalize the intervention. Interview data were independently coded and collectively analyzed to achieve consensus. Results Survivors expressed interest in action-oriented content on: (1) managing treatment side effects; (2) handling body image and co-morbidities related to overweight/obesity; (3) coping with emotional and communication issues; (4) tips to reduce disruptions of daily living activities, and (5) health skills training tools. Patients also desired the use of realistic and diverse survivor images. Conclusions Incorporation of an established theoretical framework, application of multimedia intervention development best practices, and an evidence-based approach to content and format, resulted in a psycho-educational tool that comprehensively addresses survivors' needs in a tailored fashion. Implications for Cancer Survivors The results suggest that an interactive web-based multimedia program is useful for survivors if it covers the key topics of symptom control, emotional well-being, and coping skills training; this tool has the potential to be disseminated and implemented as an adjunct to routine clinical care.

Accordance of Online Health Information on Prostate Cancer with the European Association of Urology Guidelines

“…Alternatives like interactive tools may offer an easier access for patients to get reliable information on their disease. PROGRESS, a web-based interactive education tool for patients, with PCa focuses on treatment side effects, body image problems, emotional issues, and improvement of daily living [25]. This tool could be implemented in clinical practice and support the education of PCa patients as an interactive platform [23].…”

Effect of Continuous Care Model on Body Image Among Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Clinical Trial

“…3 learning needs can reduce health care costs and enhance patients' independency and adaptation (21). Meanwhile, nurses, as members of the treatment team, play a pivotal role in caring of cancer patients.…”

Moving toward the next generation of communication training in oncology: The relevance of findings from qualitative research

“…The first pile consisted of articles ( n = 25) whose findings did not have the potential to be relevant for communication training. The four main reasons for not considering these articles were as follows: they reported an element of communication, which is specific to a local context and thus not suitable for training outside this very context, for instance Egan et al (), Heidari and Mardani‐Hamooleh () and Anarado, Ezeome, Ofi, Nwaneri, and Ogbolu (); they assessed the effect of a communication tool, for instance Miller et al (), Lipson‐Smith et al () and Cooley et al (); they focused on a singular clinical situation (e.g., fertility preservation) or treatment (e.g., for early stage non‐small cell lung cancer, recurrent ovarian cancer), for instance Elit et al (), Dyer and Quinn (), and Golden, Thomas, Moghanaki, and Slatore (); or they addressed interventions to empower patients, for instance Jones et al (), and Halkett et al ().…”