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The following is a summary of “A digital and nurse-led support intervention, first year after prostate cancer treatment: a single-arm feasibility study in a Swedish primary care setting,” published in the December 2024 issue of Primary Care by Kelmendi et al.
The prevalence of prostate cancer is rising, and the first year after treatment is critical for patients’ well-being. Evidence on electronic patient-reported outcomes and nurse-led support in primary care for prostate cancer survivors is limited.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to test the feasibility of a complex intervention combining electronic patient-reported outcomes, self-management advice, and nurse-led support in primary care.
They conducted a single-arm study over 4 weeks to assess the feasibility of the intervention. Feasibility was evaluated through recruitment, retention rate, symptom reporting adherence, and intervention acceptability. Data were collected via app logs including patient-reported outcomes and self-management advice, nurse field notes, and semi-structured patient interviews. Descriptive statistics were applied to the logged data, while qualitative content analysis was used for the interviews and field notes.
The results showed a 55% recruitment rate, with 11 patients completing the intervention and 100% adherence to reporting. All app functions were used, with individual variations based on patients’ needs. A total of 36 health dialogues (virtual, face-to-face, telephone) were conducted, with the first dialogues lasting longer than follow-ups. Patients found the app and health dialogues tailored and supplementary. No adverse events (AEs) occurred, though some technical issues arose. Patients suggested the intervention should start immediately after treatment.
They found the intervention feasible due to high patient adherence and acceptance. The results suggested that the intervention should begin immediately after treatment completion.
Source: bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-024-02669-x
