Development and implementation of a remote monitoring and coaching intervention delivered using digital health technology for people with a history of cancer.

There is a need to improve care practices to optimally enhance physical health and health- related quality of life in people with a history of cancer. Intensive treatment of cancer can impact patients both acutely and chronically as long-term or late effects well after treatment completion. As a result, both patients with cancer and cancer survivors need additional support Supportive cancer care, including survivorship and rehabilitation services focuses on developing strategies to support survivors’ well-being and recovery during and after cancer treatment. However, despite the evidence-based benefits of these services, many barriers still exist that may restrict patients with cancer from participation and engagement. One possible solution to these challenges is the use of digital health technologies. The aim of this research was to explore current gaps in knowledge regarding digital health enabled supportive cancer care and design and develop a digital health enabled intervention, specifically tailored to the needs of people with a cancer diagnosis. The experience culminated in the implementation of a 10-week prospective cohort trial, focused on the feasibility and acceptability of a patient-provider tracking and exercise coaching portal. As evidenced by the research studies presented within this thesis, findings suggest that patient-centric supportive care can be provided to cancer patients using a digital health enabled approach. Further, remote monitoring and individual exercise coaching can feasibly be offered to patient populations who may not be able to conveniently access support services, or who choose to access these services remotely. Several recommendations for future research and future directions were provided to further this area of research