ORCID Profile
0000-0003-1438-217X
Current Organisations
University of Queensland School of Medicine
,
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
,
University of Queensland
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Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-06-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-03-2021
DOI: 10.1002/PON.5655
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.EJCA.2008.02.045
Abstract: Diagnosing and treating young patients with cancer can be stressful for health professionals however, when the prognosis is poor and the patient has dependent children, even experienced clinicians can feel distressed and helpless. Parents with advanced cancer commonly express anxiety about the impact of the disease on their children, yet health professionals often feel unable to respond constructively because of lack of training, or concern that discussion about such difficult issues will compound parental distress. In response to this problem, an educational manual has been devised to assist oncology staff to better understand the emotional impact of parental advanced cancer, encompassing information about specific reactions of children, including strategies to help children and families cope. This paper describes the development and content of the resource which provides clinically relevant information and evidence-based recommendations to guide supportive care. The manual differs from the more traditional didactic resources in that it examines the very personal impact for professionals working with parents with advanced disease, encouraging reflection and engages the reader in clinical exercises which encourage active learning and application of knowledge into authentic clinical contexts. Although the manual is designed primarily for nurses, it is clear that much of the information is relevant for all health professionals involved in the care of parents with advanced cancer.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-04-2019
DOI: 10.1002/PON.5056
Abstract: Alongside a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the efficacy of the ConquerFear intervention for reducing fear of cancer recurrence in cancer survivors, the cost-effectiveness of this novel intervention was assessed, primarily from the health sector perspective, with broader societal productivity impacts assessed. Health care resource use was collected by a tailored cost diary. Incremental costs were calculated as the difference in total costs between the intervention and control groups. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were estimated by cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses, comparing incremental costs with incremental outcomes measured. Nonparametric bootstrap analysis was performed to evaluate uncertainty in costs and outcomes. Cancer survivors were randomized into ConquerFear (n = 121), or an active control group receiving relaxation training (n = 101). Participants received on average 3.69 sessions, incurring an average cost of $297 per person, with no group difference. The ITT analysis results indicated a mean ICER $34 300 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) with average incremental cost $488 and health gain of 0.0142 QALYs, from the health care sector perspective. Bootstrap analysis showed 30% of iterations were dominant and overall 53% ICERs were cost-effective as judged by the commonly used $50 000/QALY threshold. The ConquerFear intervention is associated with a modest cost and may provide good value for money, but further evidence is needed. Long-term cost-effectiveness needs further investigation to capture full benefits from the intervention beyond the trial follow-up.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-04-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S00520-015-2742-5
Abstract: People with cancer and their families experience high levels of psychological morbidity. However, many cancer services do not routinely screen patients for anxiety and depression, and there are no standardized clinical referral pathways. This study aimed to establish consensus on elements of a draft clinical pathway tailored to the Australian context. A two-round Delphi study was conducted to gain consensus among Australian oncology and psycho-oncology clinicians about the validity of 39 items that form the basis of a clinical pathway that includes screening, assessment, referral and stepped care management of anxiety and depression in the context of cancer. The expert panel comprised 87 multidisciplinary clinician members of the Australian Psycho-oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG). Respondents rated their level of agreement with each statement on a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as >80% of respondents scoring within 2 points on the Likert scale. Consensus was reached for 21 of 39 items, and a further 15 items approached consensus except for specific contextual factors, after two Delphi rounds. Formal screening for anxiety and depression, a stepped care model of management and recommendations for inclusion of length of treatment and time to review were endorsed. Consensus was not reached on items related to roles and responsibilities, particularly those not applicable across cancer settings. This study identified a core set of evidence- and consensus-based principles considered essential to a stepped care model of care incorporating identification, referral and management of anxiety and depression in adult cancer patients.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2007
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.PEC.2009.09.018
Abstract: To evaluate whether a consultation skills training (CST) program with oncologists and trainees would improve skills in detecting and responding to patient distress, thereby improving their patients' emotional functioning and reducing psychological distress. Randomized-controlled trial with 29 medical and radiation oncologists from Australia randomized to CST group (n=15) or usual-care group (n=14). The CST consisted of a 1.5-day face-to-face workshop incorporating presentation of principles, a DVD modelling ideal behaviour and role-play practice, and four 1.5h monthly video-conferences. At the CST conclusion, patients of participating doctors were recruited (n=192 in CST group, n=183 in usual-care group), completing telephone surveys at baseline, 1 week and 3 months to assess quality of life, anxiety, depression and unmet psychosocial needs. Despite high patient functioning at baseline, anxiety significantly improved at 1-week follow-up in the CST group, compared to the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in emotional functioning, depression or unmet supportive care need between the groups. Consistent trends for greater improvements were observed in intervention compared to control group patients, suggesting the CST program deserves wider evaluation. Video-conferencing after a short training course may be an effective strategy for delivering CST.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 02-10-2018
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12932
Abstract: For blood cancer patients, haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) donated by a relative can be lifesaving. However, related donors can face significant physical and psychosocial challenges. As the demand for adult-related HSC donors is increasing, it is important to review our understanding of adult-related HSC donors' need for and availability of information and psychosocial support with a view to identifying gaps in the literature. A systematic review of relevant studies (2000-2017) was conducted using five databases with supplementary hand searching. Sixteen studies involving 1,024 related HSC donors met the following criteria: English or Dutch language, peer-reviewed, s led first-time-related HSC donors, ≥18 years, haematological malignancies, assessed psychosocial aspects, retrospective or prospective and with or without comparison group. Data were abstracted, and study quality was assessed using the PRISMA criteria. Studies contained limited information on the provision of information and psychosocial support. Most studies addressed pre-donation information, and none reported providing information or support to donors post-donation. Additionally, few studies formally assessed unmet needs. Recommendations include improved transparency of reporting for the availability, sources and timing of information and psychosocial support, and the identification of unmet needs to enable the development of educational and psychosocial interventions for this invaluable donor population.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-04-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S00520-019-04748-7
Abstract: A randomised controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-delivered Head and Neck Cancer Survivor Self-Management Care Plan (HNCP) for patients who had completed treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC). Ten oncology nurses were trained to deliver the HNCP. The HNCP consisted of one face-to-face hour-long meeting in which the patient's treatment was recorded, as were contact details of health professionals involved in their care and follow-up schedules. Patients were guided to nominate up to three goals for their future well-being and assisted to devise an action plan to achieve these. The HNCP was given to the patient and a copy was forwarded to their primary care physician. One hundred and nine patients were randomised after definitive curative intent treatment, 36 to HNCP, 36 to receive information about survivorship, and 37 to usual care. The primary outcome, analysed by intention-to-treat, was change in quality of life measured by the FACT-H&N from baseline to 6-month follow-up. Quality of life of all groups decreased at 3 months but was close to baseline at 6 months. Compared with the usual care group, the only statistically significant mean difference at 6 months was for the information group on the physical well-being domain (mean difference 0.4, 95% - 1.8, 2.6, p < 0.05). A single-session nurse-delivered intervention is insufficient to improve the quality of life in HNC survivors compared with usual care. Provision of detailed written information about HNC survivorship is associated with improved physical well-being. ACTRN12613000542796.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-05-2015
DOI: 10.1002/PON.3844
Abstract: The International Psycho-oncology Society (IPOS) has just celebrated its 30th anniversary. The growth of psychosocial oncology has been exponential, and this relatively new field is becoming a core service that focuses on prevention, reducing the burden of cancer, and enhancing the quality of life from time of diagnosis, through treatment, survivorship, and palliative care. Looking back over the past 30 years, we see that cancer care globally has evolved to a new and higher standard. Today, 'cancer care for the whole patient' is being accomplished with an evidence-based model that addresses psychosocial needs and integrates psycho-oncology into the treatment and care of patients. The President's Plenary Session in Lisbon, Portugal, highlighted the IPOS Mission of promoting global excellence in psychosocial care of people affected by cancer through our research, public policy, advocacy, and education. The internationally endorsed IPOS Standard of Quality Cancer Care, for ex le, clearly states the necessity of integrating the psychosocial domain into routine care, and that distress should be measured as the sixth vital sign after temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and pain. The plenary paper also discussed the global progress being made in Europe, North America, and Australia in providing quality cancer care for the whole patient. Collaborative partnerships between IPOS and organizations such as the European Partnership Action Against Cancer and the World Health Organization are essential in building capacity for the delivery of high-quality psycho-oncology services in the future.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 23-05-2008
DOI: 10.1017/S1478951508000205
Abstract: General practitioners (GPs) play an integral role in addressing the psychological needs of palliative care patients and their families. This qualitative study investigated psychosocial issues faced by GPs in the management of patients receiving palliative care and investigated the themes relevant to the psychosocial care of dying patients. Fifteen general practitioners whose patient had been recently referred to the Mt. Olivet Palliative Home Care Services in Brisbane participated in an in idual case review discussions guided by key questions within a semistructured format. These interviews focused on the psychosocial aspects of care and management of the referred patient, including aspects of the doctor atient relationship, experience of delivering diagnosis and prognosis, addressing the psychological concerns of the patients' family, and the doctors' personal experiences, reactions, and responses. Qualitative analysis was conducted on the transcripts of these interviews. The significant themes that emerged related to perceived barriers to exploration of emotional concerns, including spiritual issues, and the discussion of prognosis and dying, the perception of patients' responses/coping styles, and the GP's personal experience of the care (usually expressed in terms of identification with patient). The findings indicate the significant challenges facing clinicians in discussions with patients and families about death, to exploring the patient's emotional responses to terminal illness and spiritual concerns for the patient and family. These qualitative date indicate important tasks in the training and clinical support for doctors providing palliative care.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.EJON.2016.02.007
Abstract: To assess the prevalence of burnout amongst Australian cancer nurses as well as investigate the systemic and in idual factors associated with burnout, including training and supervision for nurses in psychosocial care. Burnout amongst cancer nurses can have serious consequences for the in idual nurse, the hospital and patients. Psychosocial care has been demonstrated in many studies to reduce distress in cancer patients however, previous studies have suggested that providing psychosocial care can be stressful if nurses feel they lack appropriate training. Psychosocial skill training and supervision may be a way of improving job satisfaction and reducing burnout amongst nurses. Two hundred and thirty cancer nurses were recruited between November 2010 and April 2011 and completed an online questionnaire. Burnout levels within this population were found to be below nursing norms. Adequacy of training and supervision, frequency of supervision and percentage of role spent managing psychosocial care were found to be associated with burnout. Workload, Control, Reward and Community were independent predictors of burnout, and nurses with a greater mismatch in these areas identified as having High levels of burnout. Strategies to reduce burnout include providing cancer nurses with a varied and sustainable workload, awarding financial and social recognition of efforts and encouraging nurses to develop a sense of control over their work. Providing regular training and supervision in psychosocial care that is perceived to be adequate may also assist in reducing burnout.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 22-05-2007
DOI: 10.1017/S1478951507070204
Abstract: Objective: Parents coping with a diagnosis of advanced cancer experience distress and guilt about the impact of the disease on their children but report that there are few resources specific to advanced disease to guide and support them in discussions with their children. Although some resources have been developed to assist parents with advanced cancer, it appears that these are not widely disseminated. Methods: To determine the need for a brief resource that could be given to parents at the point of diagnosis of advanced cancer, including its content, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight women with advanced breast cancer. Results: Women confirmed that they had received minimal assistance from health professionals in discussing the diagnosis with their children, and even when professional counselors were accessed they were not always attuned to the specific needs of parents with advanced cancer. Women felt frustrated that information they did access focused on early disease and lacked the details women felt they needed in coping with advanced cancer. Women felt that there was a need for a brief resource that reassured parents about the impact of the cancer on their children, including practical strategies to help them cope and ex les of the ways other parents had responded to difficult questions such as about parental death. A draft resource was developed, critically reviewed by the participants, and their comments incorporated into a final version. Significance of results: This article expands on the themes highlighted by women as important to assist parents with advanced cancer, including the final resource that was developed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-01-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S11764-015-0512-5
Abstract: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is prevalent among survivors. However, a comprehensive and universally accepted theoretical framework of FCR to guide intervention is lacking. This paper reviews theoretical frameworks previously used to explain FCR and describes the formulation of a novel theoretical framework for FCR. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to identify conceptual frameworks or theories applied to FCR. MEDLINE, PubMED, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched. Identified conceptual frameworks were reviewed for strength of evidence supporting their validity. Of 558 papers initially identified, 16 made reference to six different conceptual frameworks relating to FCR. The most comprehensive and evidence-based theoretical approach is the Common Sense Model (CSM). Other approaches have limited evidence supporting their application to FCR. Two theoretical approaches developed in the context of emotional disorders that appear to be highly relevant to FCR: the Self-Regulatory Executive Function (S-REF) model and Relational Frame Theory were combined with the CSM to produce a novel cognitive processing account of FCR. Few conceptual frameworks have been used consistently to guide FCR research, and not all frameworks are empirically well supported, suggesting that further discussion regarding the conceptualisation of FCR is needed. The novel theoretical framework for FCR presented highlights the multidimensional nature of FCR and the importance of cognitive processing and metacognitions in the development and maintenance of FCR. The novel theoretical formulation of FCR outlined here provides a much-needed comprehensive framework to further investigate and address FCR in cancer survivors.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-10-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S00520-017-3929-8
Abstract: This report describes the views of front-line health professionals who participated in a randomised controlled trial examining a model of care in which depressed cancer patients received a brief psychosocial intervention. Health professionals from four cancer centres received focused training, skill development and clinical supervision in order to deliver the intervention. We interviewed 20 health professionals asking them about their perceptions of participation in the study and their views about more widespread implementation of this model of care. Participants strongly advocated for widespread implementation of this model of care however, their ability to deliver the intervention varied depending on clinical roles and responsibilities. Many oncology nurses expressed conflict about delivering a psychosocial intervention when their clinical unit was busy. Finding a private area in which to talk was a frequent barrier in busy clinical units. Participants reported that they applied the skills and insights acquired in the study in their routine clinical work. Supervision was highly valued and was feasible to provide in clinical settings. Psychosocial care can be provided by a range of health professionals if they receive focused training and have access to supervision, but competing clinical demands are likely to limit their ability to routinely provide psychosocial care. This suggests that training should target professionals who have greater autonomy and flexibility in their work roles. ANZCTR1260000448044.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-07-2017
DOI: 10.1002/PON.4471
Abstract: Consistent with the International Psycho-Oncology Society's (IPOS) vision and goals, we are committed to improving quality cancer care and cancer policies through psychosocial care globally. As part of IPOS's mission, upon entering "Official Relations" for a second term with the World Health Organization (WHO), IPOS has dedicated much attention to reaching out to countries, which lack formalized psychosocial care programmes. One of IPOS's strategies to accomplish this goal has been to bring psycho-oncology training programmes to low- and middle-income countries and regions. To this end, the IPOS Board approved a new position on the Board of Directors for a member from a low- to middle-income country (LMIC). The IPOS 2016 President's Plenary focused on challenges and opportunities that exist in growing and developing psychosocial oncology programmes worldwide. The plenary presentations highlight how IPOS and WHO have aligned their goals to help LMICs support cancer patients as an essential element of cancer and palliative care. IPOS country representatives are strongly supported in liaising with national health authorities and with WHO Country Representatives in LMICs. The plenary speakers discussed the role IPOS Federation has taken in building a global network of psychosocial leaders and the impact this had in assisting LMICs in meeting IPOS's psychosocial care objectives. The plenary highlighted the challenges of expanding psychosocial reach into these countries. One significant question remains: Can psychosocial guidelines be adapted to LMICs and regions?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-07-2019
DOI: 10.1002/PON.5165
Abstract: Psychological therapies combined with medication are effective treatments for depression and anxiety in patients with cancer. However, the psycho-oncology workforce is insufficient to meet patient need and is hard to access outside of the major cities. To bridge this gap, innovative models of care are required. Implementation of a new model of care requires attention to the facilitators and barriers. The aim of this study was to explore stakeholders' attitudes to the feasibility and acceptability of a community-based, shared care model for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with community-based clinical psychologists (n = 10), general practitioners (n = 6), and hospital-based psychologists working in psycho-oncology (n = 9). Framework analysis was conducted to identify key themes. All stakeholders perceived the model as feasible and acceptable. Potential barriers/facilitators to implementation were summarised under six key themes: (a) initiative, ownership, and autonomy (b) resources (c) pathway establishment (d) support (e) skill acquisition and (f) patient engagement. Facilitators included quality communication between health professionals across primary and tertiary care and appropriate education and support for community-based clinicians. This in-depth exploration of Australian health professionals' perceptions of the feasibility and acceptability of a community-based model of psycho-oncology care revealed that most clinicians were willing to adopt the proposed changes into practice. An RCT of a shared care intervention for depressed patients with cancer is needed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-01-2019
DOI: 10.1002/PON.4971
Abstract: ConquerFear is a metacognitive intervention for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) with proven efficacy immmediately and 6 months post-treatment. This qualitative study documented barriers and facilitators to the sustainability of ConquerFear from the perspective of study therapists. Fourteen therapists who had delivered ConquerFear in a randomised controlled trial completed a semi-structured phone interview, reaching theoretical saturation. Themes from thematic analysis were mapped to the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARiHS) implementation framework. Participants were 13 males and one female with, on average, 14 years psycho-oncology experience. Nine over-arching themes were identified, falling into three domains, which when present, were facilitators, and if absent, were barriers: evidence (intervention credibility, experienced efficacy, perceived need for intervention) context (positive attitude to and capacity for survivorship/FCR care, favourable therapist orientation and flexibility, strong referral pathways) and facilitation of implementation (intervention/service fit, intervention atient fit, and training, support, and provided resources). ConquerFear is a sustainable intervention in routine clinical practise. Facilitators included a sound evidence base a receptive context good fit between the intervention, therapist orientation, and patient need and flexibility of delivery. Where absent, these factors served as barriers. These results have implications for enhancing uptake of psycho-oncology interventions in routine care.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-07-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S00520-015-2833-3
Abstract: To examine the acceptability of the methods used to evaluate Coping-Together, one of the first self-directed coping skill intervention for couples facing cancer, and to collect preliminary efficacy data. Forty-two couples, randomized to a minimal ethical care (MEC) condition or to Coping-Together, completed a survey at baseline and 2 months after, a cost diary, and a process evaluation phone interview. One hundred seventy patients were referred to the study. However, 57 couples did not meet all eligibility criteria, and 51 refused study participation. On average, two to three couples were randomized per month, and on average it took 26 days to enrol a couple in the study. Two couples withdrew from MEC, none from Coping-Together. Only 44 % of the cost diaries were completed, and 55 % of patients and 60 % of partners found the surveys too long, and this despite the follow-up survey being five pages shorter than the baseline one. Trends in favor of Coping-Together were noted for both patients and their partners. This study identified the challenges of conducting dyadic research, and a number of suggestions were put forward for future studies, including to question whether distress screening was necessary and what kind of control group might be more appropriate in future studies.
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-05-2020
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-09-2022
DOI: 10.1002/PON.5819
Abstract: Haematological cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to the effects of COVID‐19. In addition to being immunocompromised, pandemic‐related travel restrictions have impacted access to treatments and overseas stem cell donations for patients requiring transplantation. Given this vulnerability, people with haematological cancers are at risk of experiencing heightened distress during the pandemic. This study aimed to explore haematological cancer patients' experiences and needs. Twenty‐four Australian haematological cancer patients completed semi‐structured interviews exploring their concerns and worries during the pandemic, impact of pandemic on management of disease, access to information and support, lifestyle changes, and attitudes towards emerging models of healthcare during the pandemic. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed. Four themes reflecting the experiences of haematological cancer patients during the pandemic were identified: ‘Fears about contracting COVID‐19' (behaviour changes to protect health, impact on daily routine and habits, annoyance at dismissive attitude of others toward COVID‐19) ‘Reduced sense of connection and support’ (reduced social support and access to external support services) ‘New challenges’ (increased financial hardship, worsened health), and ‘Underlying system and communication issues' (access to trusted information, satisfaction/dissatisfaction with care, navigating telehealth). Participants expressed a need for improved access to support services and trusted information. The findings emphasise the additional challenges experienced by haematological cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic and their impact on daily life. Results point to the importance of validation of increased distress during periods of uncertainty reinforcing recommendations about high‐quality sources of information and facilitating access to support services when face‐to‐face care is limited.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-04-2018
DOI: 10.1002/PON.4728
Abstract: This paper examines the direct and intermediary relationships between life stress, stress appraisal, and resilience, and increased anxiety and depressive symptoms in Australian women after cancer treatment. Data examined from 278 women aged 18 years and older previously treated for breast, gynaecological, or blood cancer, participating in the Australian Women's Wellness after Cancer Program. Serial mediation models interrogated the effect of stressful life events (List of Threatening Experiences-Modified) mediated by appraisal and coping (Perceived Stress Scale and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), on symptoms of anxiety and depression (Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale). Over one-quarter (30.2%) of participants reported 1 or more stressful life events, other than their cancer, in the previous 6 months. Results indicate that perceived stress fully mediated the relationships between life stress, anxiety (indirect effect = 0.09, Bias-corrected bootstrap 95% CI 0.02-0.18, Percent mediation = 0.51), and depressive symptoms (indirect effect = 0.11, Bias-corrected bootstrap 95% CI 0.02-0.23, Percent mediation = 0.71) and accounted for more than half of the relationship between predictor and outcome. Findings indicate that stress appraisal mediated the relationship between past life stressors and anxiety and depressive symptoms. This analysis also highlights the need to consider wellness within a broader care context to identify potentially vulnerable patients to possibly avert future health concerns.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-09-2019
DOI: 10.1002/PON.5218
Abstract: To develop and evaluate the usability of iConquerFear, an online self-management adaptation of an efficacious face-to-face therapist-delivered treatment for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). iConquerFear development was theory based and person based. Development was guided by Ritterband et al's behaviour change model for internet interventions. iConquerFear end users (cancer survivors) provided iterative feedback in accordance with Yardley et al's person-based approach to maximise engagement and usability. Online focus groups and cognitive interviews were conducted to evaluate the usability of iConquerFear. Discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. Five online FCR modules were developed. Twenty-three cancer survivors (47% of those eligible) participated 11/23 (58%) were breast cancer survivors, and average age was 53 years (SD = 10.8). Thematic saturation was reached after six focus groups (n = 16) and seven in idual think-aloud interviews. Thematic analysis produced five overarching themes: easy navigation essential satisfaction and engagement with content flexible access is key normalising and empowering and a useful first step. Online self-management interventions like iConquerFear have the potential to address the unmet supportive care needs reported by burgeoning numbers of cancer survivors. However, that potential may not be realised unless interventions are rigorously developed and user tested, as benefits are constrained by limited engagement. Themes from the usability testing of iConquerFear highlight the importance of developing flexible, tailored, interactive, and contextual online self-management interventions for people with cancer.
Location: Australia
Start Date: 2012
End Date: 2016
Funder: Cancer Australia
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