Journal Article


Development of an app for lung cancer survivors (iEXHALE) to increase exercise activity and improve symptoms of fatigue, breathlessness and depression

Abstract

Objective. Exercise-based self-management interventions are recommended for lung cancer survivors and can provide physical, psychosocial and emotional relief. Mobile health technologies can encourage self-management; however, currently no cancer-related apps address exercise specific needs of lung cancer survivors. This paper details the design, development and testing of an exercise app for lung cancer survivors (iEXHALE) which aims to increase exercise activity and improve symptoms.   Methods. The research had two stages: 1) focus groups with healthcare professionals, patients and family members (n=21) 2) app development and usability study with lung cancer survivors (n=6). The Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour model was used as a theoretical framework; data were thematically analysed. Results. Focus group findings identified many helpful exercises for managing lung cancer survivors’ symptoms. These findings, alongside relevant literature, informed iEXHALE’s content and design. The usability study found that lung cancer survivors valued iEXHALE’s self-management capabilities, but identified potential modifications, including improved self-monitoring diaries and navigation.   Conclusions. iEXHALE’s development has been theoretically and empirically informed, showing value as a self-management tool. Next, we will test its effectiveness, acceptability and cost-effectiveness.

Attached files

Authors

Henshall, Cathy
Davey, Zoe

Oxford Brookes departments

Oxford School of Nursing and Midwifery

Dates

Year of publication: 2019
Date of RADAR deposit: 2019-10-08


Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License


Related resources

This RADAR resource is the Accepted Manuscript of Development of an app for lung cancer survivors (iEXHALE) to increase exercise activity and improve symptoms of fatigue, breathlessness and depression

Details

  • Owner: Joseph Ripp
  • Collection: Outputs
  • Version: 1 (show all)
  • Status: Live
  • Views (since Sept 2022): 286