Aims. To co-design a guided version of the online Finding My Way-Advanced (FMW-A) program with oncology health care professionals (HCPs), to identify the frequency, duration, content and modality preferences for the guidance component.
Methods. HCPs accessed FMW-A (a 6-week, 6-module CBT-based online self-directed psychosocial program for women with metastatic breast cancer) for one-week before participating in an interview. Participants were recruited through professional networks, oncology organisations, and cancer consumer organisations. Feedback was obtained regarding the preferred guidance modality (SMS, phone-call, video-call, or in-person), dosage (frequency), type (technological versus therapeutic support), and how guidance can be added to the program.
Results. Recruitment ceased upon reaching sufficient information power, resulting in a sample of 13 HCPs: Medical Oncologists (n=3), Clinical Psychologists (n=3), Nurses/Care Coordinators (n=6), and a Senior Physiotherapist (n=1). Most were female (77%), had worked on average 20-years total in oncology, and accessed an average of 5 modules. All participants found FMW-A engaging, comprehensive, relatable and validating, but noted potential engagement barriers; most (n=12) believed adding opt-in human support would increase engagement. The preferred guidance modality was phone or video-call. There were discrepancies in the recommended dosage (e.g. guidance per module versus time-based), and which profession would deliver this support (e.g., peer, psychologist, other). Qualitative differences in the rationale for adding human support emerged across professions: non-psychological HCPs expressed concerns about FMW-A causing distress, with preference for human support as a risk-mitigation strategy. In contrast, psychological disciplines noted the likely pre-existence of distress in patients, with human support designed to provide direction, motivation, assistance with activities, and address engagement barriers.
Conclusions. The study demonstrated the potential role of human support in digital psycho-oncology interventions. However, given the differences in the rationale for human support, with risk mitigation being a forefront concern, future interviews with consumers are required to resolve these discrepancies.