Background/objective: Children diagnosed with cancer face reduced physical activity due to treatment side effects, hospitalisation, and fatigue, which can negatively impact physical and psychosocial outcomes. Digital health technologies offer a promising avenue to support continued engagement in physical activity during and after treatment. This study aims to describe how the Experience-Based Co-Design Framework was used to collaboratively develop digital physical activity resources grounded in the lived experiences of children with cancer, their families, and healthcare professionals.
Procedures: This study is an ongoing and iterative five-phase project: (i) landscape analysis and needs assessment, (ii) planning, (iii) design, (iv) development, and (v) evaluation. In phase one, we conducted a cross-sectional survey to determine the needs and priorities of children with cancer regarding physical activity—specifically their information needs, barriers, preferences, and personal goals for engagement. Findings from this survey are being used as discussion points in co-design workshops with both resource users (young people with cancer, parents) and resource providers (healthcare professionals). These workshops aim to establish actionable strategies that align with user priorities, collect feedback on prototype designs, and reach agreement on final content and design refinements. The final phase will involve usability testing with both users and providers to evaluate the acceptability, accessibility, and engagement of the developed resources.
Results: Data collection is ongoing. Consultations with exercise professionals revealed limited age-appropriate educational resources to support their efforts in promoting movement and physical activity among children receiving cancer treatment. Priority areas for resource development included interactive, goal-oriented activities that encourage general fitness and movement.
Conclusion and Clinical Implications: This study will produce practical, accessible, and engaging digital resources that exercise professionals can recommend to children and families, regardless of their location. By embedding lived experience throughout the development process, the approach ensures the resources are relevant, inclusive, and sustainable.