Acceptability of a virtual prostate cancer survivorship care model in regional Australia: A qualitative exploratory study

Abstract

Objective To assess the acceptability of a nurse‐led prostate cancer survivorship intervention adapted for virtual delivery and tailored to post‐surgical care, in a regional Australian hospital and health service. Methods A qualitative exploratory study using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). Results Twenty‐two participants took part in a semistructured interview comprising men who had completed the program (n = 16) and health professionals/service stakeholders involved in program delivery (n = 6). Acceptability of this virtual prostate cancer survivorship care program was very high across all constructs of the TFA, from the perspectives of both program recipients and those delivering the program. The quality of care received was seen as superior to what men had experienced previously (burden, opportunity costs). The time afforded by the regularly scheduled video‐consultations allowed men to come to terms with the recovery process in their own time (self‐efficacy), and provided an ongoing sense of support and access to care outside the consultation (ethicality). Clinically, the program improved care co‐ordination, expedited identification of survivorship care needs, and met service priorities of providing quality care close to home (burden, perceived effectiveness). Conclusions Findings from this study suggest virtual post‐surgical care delivered via videoconferencing is highly acceptable to prostate cancer survivors in a regional setting. Future research exploring virtual program implementation at scale and long‐term patient and service outcomes is warranted.

“Keep It Short and Simple”: Perceptions of patients and healthcare professionals on the use of a mobile health app in the care for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy

“…Patients were willing to receive care using digital technologies, such as mHealth, but underlined the need for a simple interface, with minimal but personalised input. Previous studies investigating other technologies, such as videoconferencing, confirmed a high acceptance for tailored post‐surgical care in PC survivors 26 …”

“…Previous studies investigating other technologies, such as videoconferencing, confirmed a high acceptance for tailored post-surgical care in PC survivors. 26 Several challenges have been identified in the follow-up of PC survivors: (a) Patients do not know not how to interpret their functional outcomes and how they compare with other PC patients;…”

“…Previous studies investigating other technologies, such as videoconferencing, confirmed a high acceptance for tailored post‐surgical care in PC survivors. 26 …”