Understanding acceptability of and engagement with Web-based interventions aiming to improve quality of life in cancer survivors: A synthesis of current research

PurposeThis review sought to summarize existing knowledge in order to inform the development of an online intervention that aims to improve quality of life after cancer treatment.MethodsTo inform our intervention, we searched for studies relating to web-based interventions designed to improve QoL in adults who have completed primary treatment for breast, prostate and colorectal cancer (as these are three of the most common cancers and impact a large number of cancer survivors). We included a variety of study designs (qualitative research, feasibility/pilot trials, randomised trials, and process evaluations) and extracted all available information regarding intervention characteristics, experiences, and outcomes. Data were synthesised as textual (qualitative) data and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFifty-seven full text articles were assessed for eligibility and 16 papers describing nine interventions were analysed. Our findings suggest that cancer survivors value interventions that offer content specific to their changing needs and are delivered at the right stage of the cancer trajectory. Social networking features do not always provide added benefit, and behaviour change techniques need to be implemented carefully to avoid potential negative consequences for some users.ConclusionsFuture work should aim to identify appropriate strategies for promoting health behaviour change, as well as the optimal stage of cancer survivorship to facilitate intervention delivery.Clinical ImplicationsThe development of web-based interventions for cancer survivors requires further exploration to better understand how interventions can be carefully designed to match this group's unique needs and capabilities. User involvement during development may help to ensure that interventions are accessible, perceived as useful, and appropriate for challenges faced at different stages of the cancer survivorship trajectory