Challenges of evaluating a computer-based educational programme for women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

In a two-group, multi-centre, randomised controlled 9 months trial, we (1) evaluated the impact of a computer-based educational programme compared to standard care and (2) examined whether different patterns of programme usage could be explained by demographic, medical and psychosocial factors. We involved 226 Swedish-speaking women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and scheduled for surgery. Primary outcomes were health self-efficacy and health care participation measured by the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Supportive System instrument. Secondary outcomes were anxiety and depression levels measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast and Sense of Coherence scales measured psychosocial factors for the study's secondary aim. Multi-level modelling revealed no statistically significant impact of the computer-based educational programme over time on the outcomes. Subsequent exploratory regression analysis revealed that older women with axillary dissection and increased physical well-being were more likely to use the programme. Furthermore, receiving post-operative chemotherapy and increased meaningfulness decreased the likelihood of use. Providing reliable and evidence-based medical and rehabilitation information via a computer-based programme might not be enough to influence multi-dimensional outcomes in women diagnosed with breast cancer. The use of these programmes should be further explored to promote adherence to e-Health supportive interventions.

Effects of a mind map‐based life review programme on psychospiritual well‐being in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A randomised controlled trial

“…Since multilevel modelling offers more flexible data requirements, especially for the missing data (Shin, ), it was employed for repeated measures. Both the baseline scores (intercepts) and change in scores (linear slopes) for each outcome within the two groups were estimated in this model (Ventura, Sawatzky, Öhlén, Karlsson, & Koinberg, ). Time was represented as dummy‐coded variables comparing the outcomes at T1 to T0 and T2 to T0.…”

Technology as the Key to Women’s Empowerment: A Scoping Review

“…One fifth (11/51) described empowerment as the process enabling a sense of self-efficacy or self-worth in the ability to overcome barriers to control over resources. [69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79] ICT Interventions to Support Women's Capacity and Tools…”

Technology as the Key to Women’s Empowerment: A Scoping Review

“…One fth (11/51) described empowerment as the process enabling a sense of self-e cacy or self-worth in the ability to overcome barriers to control over resources. [71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81] Measures of Empowerment All studies considered the concept of empowerment in their design; approximately 80% (41/51) of articles considered empowerment as a primary outcome of the study. No measures of empowerment were speci cally cited in any of the articles, beyond the measures of the behaviour being studied.…”

“…No measures of empowerment were speci cally cited in any of the articles, beyond the measures of the behaviour being studied. Several studies included various measures of self-e cacy (i.e., childbirth 74 , physical activity 56,67,71,74,[80][81] intimate partner violence 72 , caregiving 75 , barrier [55][56] , health 78 , and chronic disease management 77 ). The authors did not compare the different types of self-e cacy scales for validity to empowerment.…”

“…These health challenges were largely focused on ways to enhance maintenance of women's health, for example self-paced education programs for those who experience intimate partner, as well as dating violence 33,41,72 , and educational training to enhance understanding and management of chronic illness 77 . The interventions based around health challenges were concentrated on those that affect women only, for example Educational training for patients with breast cancer, 38,61 health modules for those with breast cancer 78 and stress incontinence 63 and advanced care planning for women with ovarian cancer. 49…”