Feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of online supportive care for individuals living with and beyond lung cancer: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose To examine the evidence of the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of online supportive care interventions for people living with and beyond lung cancer (LWBLC). Methods Studies were identified through searches of Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and CINAHL databases using a structured search strategy. The inclusion criteria (1) examined the feasibility, acceptability, and/or efficacy of an online intervention aiming to provide supportive care for people living with and beyond lung cancer; (2) delivered an intervention in a single arm or RCT study pre/post design; (3) if a mixed sample, presented independent lung cancer data. Results Eight studies were included; two randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Included studies reported on the following outcomes: feasibility and acceptability of an online, supportive care intervention, and/or changes in quality of life, emotional functioning, physical functioning, and/or symptom distress. Conclusion Preliminary evidence suggests that online supportive care among individuals LWBLC is feasible and acceptable, although there is little high-level evidence. Most were small pilot and feasibility studies, suggesting that online supportive care in this group is in its infancy. The integration of online supportive care into the cancer pathway may improve quality of life, physical and emotional functioning, and reduce symptom distress. Online modalities of supportive care can increase reach and accessibility of supportive care platforms, which could provide tailored support. People LWBLC display high symptom burden and unmet supportive care needs. More research is needed to address the dearth of literature in online supportive care for people LWBLC.

Evaluating a web-based computer-tailored physical activity intervention for those living with and beyond lung cancer (ExerciseGuide UK): protocol for a single group feasibility and acceptability study

“…The sample size was pre-specified at 35 individuals LWBLC. The sample size is based on a recent systematic review that examined the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of online supportive care for those LWBLC [ 40 ], literature regarding sample size for pilot and feasibility studies [ 45 , 46 ], and clinical expertise from a senior lung oncology consultant.…”

“…A systematic review was initially undertaken to appraise the current literature regarding the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of online supportive care platforms for those LWBLC [ 40 ]. Subsequently, iterative patient and public involvement (PPI) workshops were conducted with volunteers who had experience with LWBLC as a patient, carer of someone, or family member.…”

“…Recruitment and retention rates have been established based on a recent systematic review of online supportive care for those LWBLC [ 40 ].…”

“…Firstly, previous research exploring online supportive care for those LWBLC was considered. A recent review reported a mean sample size of eight studies examining online supportive care for those LWBLC [ 40 ]. Of the eight studies, six were pilot and feasibility studies.…”

“…Digital health exercise interventions have previously demonstrated feasibility/acceptability for those living with and beyond breast, gynaecological, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, Leukaemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, endometrial, prostate, and metastatic prostate cancer [ 31 , 34 , 39 ]. However, our previously published review shows that online supportive care is in its infancy for those LWBLC, particularly for physical activity focused online supportive care [ 40 ]. Our study aims to conduct a feasibility pilot study of a computer-tailored web-based platform, ExerciseGuide UK, which will add to the limited available evidence for those LWBLC.…”