Introduction:
Digital health approaches in cancer care can assist in coordinating care and supporting self-management. However, people living with socioeconomic disadvantage, and those living rurally, who already face increased barriers to cancer care, can face challenges with accessibility, usability and relevance of digital technologies resulting in risk of digital exclusion and widening of disparities in cancer outcomes. This research aimed to examine perspectives of people living with cancer in socioeconomically and/or geographically disadvantaged circumstances on how they can be better supported in accessing digital health for cancer care.
Methods:
Qualitative interviews were conducted with individuals living with cancer in socioeconomically and/or geographically disadvantaged circumstances. Participants were approached via promotion (flyers and social work staff approach) at Cancer Council SA lodge and/or by Cancer Council SA support staff (outreach nurse). Interviews were conducted by the researcher in person or by telephone, using a semi-structured topic guide, and were audio recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.
Results:
Interim data from 9 participants (7 women, 7 rural) indicated that for people living rurally, digital health resources could be accessible, however some participants experienced an overall lack of resources/guidance at rural treatment centres compared with metropolitan treatment centres. People living with socioeconomic disadvantage more frequently discussed limited/lack of internet connection as a barrier, with smartphone access improving resource access for some. Engagement with digital resources was influenced by personal preferences, even for participants with reliable internet access.
Conclusion:
People with cancer who experience socioeconomic/geographic disadvantage can be better supported in accessing cancer care resources by ensuring availability of print and smartphone-compatible digital resources, and by addressing limited resource availability in rural areas, potentially by linking with large centres and organisations. Future development of cancer care resources should consider providing diversity of formats to optimise accessibility and meet diverse consumer preferences.