Development and Usability Evaluation of a Facebook-Based Intervention Program for Childhood Cancer Patients: Mixed...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Digital Health Interventions
• Patient Education

Background:

• Childhood cancer survival rates have improved significantly, but survivors face long-term therapy-related complications.
• Patient education and self-management are crucial for improving health outcomes in pediatric cancer patients.
• A Facebook-based program, "Healthy Teens for Soaam," was created to enhance knowledge and self-management skills in adolescents with cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the development process of an 8-week Facebook intervention for teens with cancer.
• To assess the usability of this Facebook-based program for refinement.

Main Methods:

• Needs assessment via focus groups and content analysis.
• Iterative development including module creation, expert review, and platform design.
• Usability evaluation through heuristic methods and end-user testing.

Main Results:

• Teens preferred multimedia content and success stories, leading to redesigned modules with videos.
• Heuristic and user testing identified and resolved critical usability issues.
• The final program was perceived as usable and beneficial by teen cancer patients.

Conclusions:

• "Healthy Teens for Soaam" is the first Facebook intervention for teens with cancer, co-developed with patients and survivors.
• The program demonstrated good usability and met user needs, serving as a foundation for future intervention studies.
• This 8-week educational program aims to enhance knowledge and self-management strategies for adolescents undergoing cancer treatment.