Exploring participant perceptions of a virtually supported home exercise program for people with multiple myeloma using a novel eHealth application: a qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction Supervision, tailoring, and flexibility have been proposed as key program elements for delivering successful exercise programs for people with multiple myeloma (MM). However, no studies to date have evaluated the acceptability of an intervention employing these components. The aim of this study was to determine the acceptability of a virtually supported exercise program and eHealth application for people with MM. Methods A qualitative description approach was used. One-on-one interviews were conducted with participants who completed the exercise program. Content analysis was used to analyze verbatim transcripts from interviews. Results Twenty participants were interviewed (64.9 ± 6.7 years of age, n = 12 females). Participants had positive perceptions of the exercise program. Two themes emerged related to strengths/limitations: One Size Does Not Fit All (sub-themes: Supportive & Responsive Programming and Diverse Exercise Opportunities ), and App Usability . Supportive and Responsive Programming was a main strength of the program, characterized as programming that was tailored, involved active support, and delivered by appropriate personnel. The inclusion of Diverse Exercise Opportunities was also regarded as a strength, as it accommodated the preferences of all participants. Related to App Usability, participants felt the app was simple and user friendly but had a few less intuitive components. Conclusion The virtually supported exercise program and eHealth application were acceptable for people with MM. Programs should employ tailoring, active support, and appropriate personnel to bolster acceptability and include both supervised and flexible exercise formats. eHealth apps should be simple to use so technology proficiency is not a barrier to participation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-023-07762-y.

Is home-based, virtually delivered, group exercise feasible and acceptable for older patients with hepatocellular carcinoma? A non-randomised feasibility study (TELEX-Liver Cancer)

“…The exercises were able to be tailored to each individual within the group, allowing people of mixed abilities to take part together. Similar themes were identified in a study exploring participant perceptions of virtual exercise for people with multiple myeloma 49 who found that programmes should use tailoring, active support and employ personnel to run the sessions who were both knowledgeable and empathetic. Patients perceived that the instructor was important to help motivate the group and generate a peer-supportive environment, which has previously been highlighted as being important for people living with cancer.…”

“…Patients perceived that the instructor was important to help motivate the group and generate a peer-supportive environment, which has previously been highlighted as being important for people living with cancer. 49 Patients were recruited across a range of levels of deprivation, and many lived a long distance from the treating hospital so the virtual nature of the programme enabled them to take part, removing barriers related to transport and costs. These benefits have been highlighted in other studies 27 28 49 and were confirmed by our qualitative findings.…”

Digital Therapeutics for Improving Effectiveness of Pharmaceutical Drugs and Biological Products: Preclinical and Clinical Studies Supporting Development of Drug + Digital Combination Therapies for Chronic Diseases

“…Mobile apps promoting physical activity can improve cancer-related fatigue, sedentary lifestyle, and psychosocial outcomes [121], also through personalized home exercise programs [122,123]. As cancer mortality declines, digital interventions delivering physical exercise interventions for cancer survivors are of equal importance [124].…”