Prostate cancer patients' experiences and preferences for web‐based physical activity applications: A qualitative meta‐synthesis

Abstract

BackgroundThe incidence of prostate cancer increases with age. Physical activity can improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients. However, studies have observed lower levels of physical activity in men with prostate cancer, and most do not meet physical activity guidelines. Web‐based physical activity is a promising form of exercise that will play an important role in prostate cancer patients.AimsTo synthesise the experiences and preferences of prostate cancer patients for web‐based PA applications, thereby providing a basis for the construction of intervention programs tailored to the needs of patients.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL and three Chinese databases. This review includes qualitative empirical reports from the date of establishment of the respective databases until April 2023. Data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers and study quality was assessed.ResultsA total of nine studies were included. The experiences and preferences of prostate cancer patients with web‐based physical activity apps were synthesised into the following three analysis themes: (1) Pursuing individualised management strategies; (2) Perceiving and seeking social support and (3) Moving forwards in the struggle.ConclusionOur study found that men with prostate cancer experienced greater challenges in engaging in physical activity. Because of individual differences between patients, health care providers need to provide care that is tailored to each patient. Future studies should further explore the specific effects of web‐based PA applications in promoting the physical function of prostate cancer patients to increase their flexibility.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThis article synthesises prostate cancer patients' experiences with web‐based physical activity applications, highlighting their specific information needs. The results suggest several implications for the application of individualised management strategies, the perception and search for social support, and health‐ literacy. The results of this study will inform future research and program design that recognises the importance of patient‐centred efforts to better self‐manage physical function.Patient or Public ContributionIn the early stages of the study, objectives and subsequent findings were presented and discussed in a meeting with a reference group that represented patients, health professionals and the public.

Grey literature and comprehensive search strategies are important in qualitative syntheses

“…Dear Editor, We would like to acknowledge the efforts made by Zhang et al (2023) in synthesising the evidence concerning the experiences and preferences of prostate cancer patients with web-based physical activity applications. The authors conclude that the review (a qualitative meta-synthesis) may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the experiences of prostate cancer patients due to the absence of grey literature searches.…”

Support for patients and the role of eHealth in rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy

“…However, a meta-analysis of multidisciplinary psychosocial rehabilitation interventions for prostate cancer patients related to fatigue, quality of life, participation, coping, and self-efficacy, did not show statistically significant results on efficacy (Myrhaug, Mbalilaki, Lie, Hansen, & Nordvik, 2020). Further, a systematic review of couple-based interventions revealed non-significant effects on total quality of life or physical and mental health for both prostate cancer patients and their spouses (Chen et al, 2022) (Zhang et al, 2023). Single studies show efficacy, although these have usually focused on specific aspects, such as monitoring symptoms or activity (Hallward, Patel, & Duncan, 2020), communicating with healthcare (Blomberg et al, 2016;Petrovic et al, 2022), sexual rehabilitation support (Schubach et al, 2023;Wittmann et al, 2022), or psychosocial support (Mundle, Afenya, & Agarwal, 2021).…”