e-Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2021

Patient experiences with a micro-learning program designed to improve self-efficacy managing side effects of chemotherapy (#257)

Anna Janssen 1 , Kavisha Shah 2 , Melanie Rabbets 3 , Adnan Nagrial 3 , Christopher Pene 3 , Matteo Carlino 3 , Clare Zachulski 3 , Robert J Birnbaum 4 , Jane Philips 5 , Paul Harnett 3 , Tim Shaw 2
  1. Sydney West Translational Cancer Research Centre, Westmead, Sydney University, ACT, Australia
  2. The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  3. Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  4. Mass General Brigham, Boston, USA
  5. Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Background: Individuals undergoing cancer treatment often receive a large amount of information about their condition very quickly after diagnosis. It can be challenging for patients to retain key information about managing their condition, or side-effects of their treatment as a result. Digital technologies can provide an invaluable mechanism for disseminating education to patients about their cancer treatment. Online micro-learning is a digital technology that may be particularly well suited for cancer education. It is a way of disseminating key information in small bundles in a manner potentially quick and easy for patients to engage with.

Method: A mixed methodology was used to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using online micro-learning to deliver education on the side effects of chemotherapy for lung cancer patients. Quantitative data used to evaluate the program included metrics from the micro-learning platform on participant progress and program completion. Qualitative data used to understand acceptability of the program included an anonymous post-program online survey and semi-structured interviews.

Findings: A total of 22 participants enrolled in the micro-learning program, of which 14 completed it. A total of 10 participants completed the post-program survey, and 5 participants participated in an interview to evaluate the program. Preliminary analysis of the data indicates that the micro-learning program may be beneficial for augmenting existing mechanisms for providing patients information on identifying and managing chemotherapy side effects. However, further refinement of question content, and micro-learning program design are required prior to further implementation of the program.

Conclusions: The micro-learning program was feasible for delivering patients information on identifying and managing side effects of chemotherapy treatment. Furthermore, there may be benefits for using micro-learning to disseminate education to lung cancer patients about identification and management of chemotherapy side effects alongside current information sources.