Usability and Implementation Considerations of Fitbit and App Intervention for Diverse Cancer Survivors: Mixed...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health Interventions
• Cancer Survivorship
• Physical Activity Promotion

Background:

• Cancer survivors often remain insufficiently active despite known health benefits.
• Previous digital health trials for physical activity in survivors have limitations, including focus on pedometers and specific demographics (e.g., White, educated breast cancer survivors).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile health system (Fitbit activity tracker and MyDataHelps app) in a diverse cancer survivor population.
• To refine the intervention for future, larger clinical trials.

Main Methods:

• Recruited diverse cancer survivors identified through electronic health records, referrals, or self-referral.
• Participants received a Fitbit tracker and used the MyDataHelps app, completing usability surveys at 1 and 3 months.
• Conducted interviews with participants and clinicians to evaluate acceptability and clinical integration.

Main Results:

• The study enrolled 31 diverse cancer survivors (varying in ethnicity, education, and income).
• Participants reported positive usability for the MyDataHelps app (mean score 3.79/5).
• Interviews revealed that while setup was easy and step counts were motivating, app messages were not memorable; clinicians desired systematic data integration.

Conclusions:

• A remotely delivered, light-intensity physical activity program using a mobile health system is feasible and acceptable for diverse cancer survivors.
• Future research should explore registry-based methods and clinician partnerships to reach underserved survivor populations with low physical activity.