Influence of Personalized Advice on Cardiovascular Management in Childhood Cancer Survivors

This study aimed to evaluate the cardiovascular medical management of young adults who had viewed the massive open online course (MOOC) "Childhood Cancer, Living Well, After" four years earlier during the feasibility study (START-MOOC1), compared with those who had not.

A retrospective, descriptive, French multicenter study was conducted involving 322 childhood cancer survivors (CCS) (range, 20-36 years) eligible to view the cardiovascular health module of the MOOC. Participants were divided into two groups those who had viewed the MOOC (MOOC+) four years earlier and those who had not (MOOC-). We collected data on medical follow-up, cardiovascular care, and lifestyle habits using a short questionnaire. We analyzed it using descriptive statistics and comparative tests.

Of the 322 eligible CCS, 95 completed the questionnaire (34 MOOC+ and 61 MOOC-). The participation rate was significantly higher in the MOOC+ group (55.7% vs. 23.4%, p < 0.0001). We found no significant difference between the groups regarding general medical care and cardiologist follow-up. However, 20% of MOOC+ participants began cardiological follow-up after the MOOC, 15% increased their physical activity, and 6% improved their diet. In addition, 25% of MOOC+ participants began complementary therapies.

The MOOC "Childhood Cancer, Living Well, After" did not result in any significant difference in cardiovascular follow-up behaviors compared with patients who did not view the MOOC. However, the MOOC+ group promoted positive lifestyle changes. Further research with a larger cohort is necessary to assess the full impact of the MOOC on the long-term medical follow-up.