Testing the Feasibility of a Virtual Application to Support Breast and Colorectal Cancer Survivors

Conditions studied

Breast Cancer Survivor, Colorectal Cancer Survivors

About this study

The goal of this study is to determine the feasibility of implementing a mobile health application for breast and colorectal cancer survivors following primary treatment. Developed in collaboration with Seamless MD, the intervention acts as an information hub, providing users with timely and evidence-based information related to follow-up care as well as health system/community-based resources and programs to meet their needs during this period of care. The goal of the intervention is to encourage open communication regarding survivorship expectations and provide survivors with appropriate information and support to meet their needs. This study will: 1. Test the feasibility of implementing the virtual intervention at two cancer centres in Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia and New Brunswick) 2. Gather feedback regarding the intervention from cancer survivors and healthcare providers. Participants will have access to the intervention for a period of six months. Questionnaires will be distributed to participants through the intervention at baseline, 90 days, and 180 days to assess user experience. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with select survivor participants and healthcare providers (oncology and primary care) to determine the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention.

Interventions

• Behavioral: virtual self-management intervention — The intervention is a supportive information and self-management tool housed on the SeamlessMD mobile app, created in collaboration with the SeamlessMD development program and informed by foundational research. The application will be used as an information hub and self-management/navigation tool alongside usual care, to address the physical, psychosocial, and practical needs of breast and colorectal cancer survivors. Note that the intervention will not seek to change or impact a survivor's follow-up care plan, as decided upon by the participant and their care team.

Primary outcomes

• Recruitment (During enrollment)
• Retention (Enrollment to day 180)
• Usage of the Intervention (Baseline to day 180)
• Survivor and Provider Acceptability and Experience (Interviews with survivor participants will be conducted after having access to the intervention for 180 days.)