Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2023

Acceptability of a virtual prostate cancer survivorship care model in regional Australia: Findings from a multi-methods, single centre feasibility pilot (#357)

Nicole Heneka 1 , Suzanne K Chambers 2 , Isabelle Schaefer 3 , Michael Steele 2 , Haitham Tuffaha 4 , Kelly Carmont 5 , Melinda Parcell 5 , Shannon Wallis 5 , Stephen Walker 5 , Jeff Dunn 1 6
  1. University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, QLD, Australia
  2. Australian Catholic University, Banyo
  3. University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo
  4. University of Queensland, Brisbane
  5. West Moreton Health, Brisbane
  6. Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia, Sydney

Aim

To determine the acceptability and feasibility of an evidence-based prostate cancer survivorship virtual care intervention, tailored to post-surgical care, and delivered through a novel nurse-led approach.

Methods

This multi-methods pilot comprised a quasi-experimental pre/post-test design and an exploratory qualitative study using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). Study participants comprised:  men newly diagnosed with localised prostate cancer who had undergone radical or robotic prostatectomy within the previous three months; and clinicians/stakeholders involved in the development and/or delivery of the program.

The intervention was tailored to the post-operative recovery journey targeting symptom management, psychoeducation, problem solving and goal setting, delivered over 12-weeks via videoconference. The primary outcome measure for this study was program acceptability. Secondary outcome measures included: quality of life; prostate cancer related distress; insomnia severity; fatigue severity; and program costs.

Results

Both men (n=17) and service stakeholders (n=6) reported very high levels of program acceptability across all constructs of the TFA. For men negligible burden and opportunity costs related to program participation, coupled with a strong sense of program ethicality, were key drivers of adherence and perceived program effectiveness. Clinically, the program improved care co-ordination, expediated identification of survivorship care needs, and met service priorities of providing quality care close to home

At baseline, almost half (47%) of men reported clinically significant psychological distress which had significantly decreased at  24-weeks (P=0.020). There was significant improvement in urinary irritative/ obstructive symptoms (P=0.030) and a corresponding decrease in urinary function burden (P=0.005) from baseline to 24-weeks. Current fatigue (P=0.024) and the degree to which fatigue interfered with  life in the past 24-hours (P=0.041) significantly increased from baseline to 24-weeks, reflecting persistent fatigue associated with major surgery.

Conclusions

Findings from this study suggest virtual post-surgical care delivered via videoconferencing is highly acceptable to prostate cancer survivors in a regional setting.