Poster Presentation 2025 Joint Meeting of the COSA ASM and IPOS Congress

Acceptability of the RecoverEsupport digital health intervention among breast cancer surgical patients: A qualitative study.  (126295)

Emma Sansalone 1 2 , Jennifer White 1 3 , Alison Zucca 1 2 , Owen Morris 4 , Mitch Duncan 1 5 , Stephen Smith 1 2 4 , Priscilla Viana da Silva 1 2 , Anna Palazzi-Parsons 1 , Rebecca Wyse 1 2
  1. University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
  2. Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
  3. Health Protection, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, NSW, Australia
  4. Calvary Mater Newcastle, Waratah, NSW, Australia
  5. Centre for Active Living and Learning, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia

BACKGROUND  
Digital Health Interventions (DHIs) are increasingly accepted as useful tools in delivering effective, safe, and individualised healthcare. DHIs have the potential to support adherence to evidence-based guidelines. However, for the potential benefits of DHIs to be realised, end-users must engage with the DHI. Evidence suggests engagement is optimised when DHIs are developed based on end-user input and are considered acceptable to end-users. RecoverEsupport is a DHI designed to support breast cancer patients adhere to post-operative recovery behaviours. 

OBJECTIVES 
To investigate the surgical experiences, and perceived acceptability of the RecoverEsupport DHI among former breast cancer surgical patients. 

METHODS
57 patients were identified from medical records and invited to participate. 15 consented and were given access to the RecoverEsupport DHI for approximately 2 weeks.  
11 participated in a semi-structured interview exploring experiences, perspectives, reactions, and feedback regarding the RecoverEsupport online program. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. 

IMPACT ON PRACTICE
Key themes were identified concerning anxiety, uncertainty, and gaps in the care pathways. A central finding was the way in which the RecoverEsupport intervention could address identified gaps particularly in relation to postoperative physiotherapy exercises and ways that women could take an active role in their recovery. RecoverEsupport was perceived to provide reassurance and support management of expectations. Most participants indicated that they would recommend the intervention to others undergoing surgery. 

DISCUSSION
RecoverEsupport aims to encourage patients to undertake recovery behaviours in line with internationally endorsed ERAS guidelines to enhance surgical recovery following a breast cancer diagnosis. The study results suggested that RecoverEsupport was acceptable to end-users who perceived it as informative, engaging, and motivating in encouraging patients to take an active role in their surgical recovery. Results highlighted the benefits of a blended approach combining the RecoverEsupport intervention with standard clinical care.