Web-Based Skin Cancer Prevention Training for Massage Therapists: Protocol for the Massage Therapists Skin Health Awareness, Referral, and Education Study

Abstract

Background Skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States, is costly and potentially deadly. Its burden can be reduced by early detection and prevention activities. The scope of skin cancer requires going beyond traditional health care providers to promote risk reduction. Partnering with the nonbiomedical workforce, such as massage therapists (MTs), may reach more individuals at risk. MTs see much of their clients’ skin and are amenable to performing skin cancer risk reduction activities during massage appointments. Objective The objective of this study is to describe the Massage Therapists Skin Health Awareness, Referral, and Education protocol, presenting an overview of our systematic approach to developing rigorous e-training for MTs to enable them to be partners in skin cancer risk reduction. We also describe procedures for usability and feasibility testing of the training. Methods We developed an integrated electronic learning system that includes electronic training (e-training) technology, simulated client interactions, online data collection instruments, and in-person assessment of MTs’ application of their training. Results A total of 20 participants nationally scored the e-training as high for usability and satisfaction. We have screened an additional 77 MTs in Arizona for interest and eligibility, and currently have 37 enrolled participants, of whom 32 have completed the Web-based training. Conclusions The structured and rigorous development approach for this skin cancer risk reduction and brief behavioral intervention e-training for MTs begins to fill a gap in skin cancer risk reduction research. Iterative usability testing of our asynchronous Web-based training resulted in positive participant response. Our e-training approach offers greater learner accessibility, increased convenience, and greater scalability than the few existing programs and has the potential to reach many MTs nationally. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/13480

Partnering With Massage Therapists to Communicate Information on Reducing the Risk of Skin Cancer Among Clients: Longitudinal Study

“…The key finding was that the e-training was feasible and could be delivered online successfully. Similar to our pilot study [9], participants were highly satisfied with and accepting of the e-training. Clients were also satisfied with their MTs discussing skin cancer-prevention topics.…”

“…In phase 3, we conducted data analysis and interpretation. We have previously published the protocol for this study [9], which is briefly summarized below.…”

“…One approach for delivering risk-reducing information on skin cancer is a structured "helping conversation," a person-centered communication technique that emphasizes on active listening and motivational communication to encourage healthy behavior change [8]. A helping conversation consists of 4 steps: awareness, understanding, helping, and relating [9]. Helping conversations are context-specific and thus cost-effective and time efficient [8]; they have been used for other preventive behaviors [8,10] but not in the context of risk reduction for skin cancer.…”