Developing a digital psychosocial support program for men with low-risk prostate cancer during active surveillance

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Digital Health
• Psychosocial Support

Background:

• Active surveillance (AS) is a common treatment for low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer.
• The psychosocial impact of AS can present significant challenges for patients.
• There is a need for effective digital interventions to support men on AS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a digital psychosocial support program for men on active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer.
• To improve quality of life and health outcomes for men undergoing AS.
• To address the psychosocial burden associated with AS.

Main Methods:

• Design thinking methodology (Empathy, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test) was employed.
• Stakeholder interviews and multidisciplinary brainstorming sessions were conducted.
• A patient-centered self-management application prototype was developed and tested with end-users and healthcare providers.

Main Results:

• Key needs identified include personalized care, timely information, and holistic support.
• The developed application includes features for information access, appointment preparation, self-reporting, lifestyle guidance, relaxation, and communication.
• Prototype testing revealed strengths in navigation and design, with feedback guiding refinements for usability and clinical integration.

Conclusions:

• A patient-centered self-management application was successfully developed to mitigate psychosocial challenges in active surveillance (AS).
• The tool is designed to enhance patient engagement, self-efficacy, and communication.
• Further clinical studies are planned to assess the application's effectiveness in prostate cancer management.