Digital Personalised Physical Activity And Education Program For Lung Cancer Patients: Feasibility And Usability

Lung cancer has a high incidence and mortality rate, particularly in older adults (65y+). Physical activity can improve the physical and psychological health of these patients. A virtual exercise and education program could address barriers to engaging with technology and improve health outcomes. PURPOSE: Determine the feasibility, usability, and potential effectiveness of a website providing personal physical activity programs and education (grounded in behavior change theories) for those diagnosed with lung cancer. METHODS: Patients meeting the eligibility criteria were approached at a local hospital after consultation with their clinician. Recruited participants were provided with access to the ExerciseGuideUK website for eight weeks. Participants were guided through the platform’s exercise modules throughout the eight weeks, with a minimum of two virtual consultations. Post-study, participants completed the Systems Usability Scale (SUS). The study’s sample size was intended to enable signal of effect to be detected rather than definitive evidence of change. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were measured pre- and post-study. PRO data was bootstrapped (~10,000 resamples) before post minus pre analysis. RESULTS: Eighteen participants (mean age 65) were recruited to the study with an eligibility to consent percentage of 30.5%. The retention rate was 66.67%. Eighty-five patients were deemed ineligible, with 25% stating they had no access to digital technology. SUS mean score was 72.12 (± 14.15) out of 100, exceeding the acceptable score of 65/100. The majority rated the platform ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’. For the 12 completed data sets, small improvements were observed for anxiety (-1.08 ± 3.55; CI: -3.08 - 0.75) and depression (-0.42; ± 0.45) CI: -1.33 - 0.42). Mean change in Dyspnea (via EORTC-QLQ-30) was 20.38 ± 13.22;(CI: -41.67 - 5.56). Mean change in Quality of Life was observed as 4.86 ± 27.86 (CI: -10.42 - 20.14). No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: A personalised physical activity program and educational resources delivered via a website appears feasible and usable for a sub-group of lung cancer patients. Attention should be given to those without access to digital technology. Signal of effect was observed for several important PROs. Funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research (Grant: HEND405CF)