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. 2023 Apr;32(4):569-580.
doi: 10.1002/pon.6101. Epub 2023 Feb 3.

Acceptability of a virtual prostate cancer survivorship care model in regional Australia: A qualitative exploratory study

Nicole Heneka  1   2   3 , Suzanne K Chambers  1   3 , Isabelle Schaefer  1 , Jeff Dunn  2   4
Affiliations

Acceptability of a virtual prostate cancer survivorship care model in regional Australia: A qualitative exploratory study

Nicole Heneka et al. Psychooncology. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the acceptability of a nurse-led prostate cancer survivorship intervention adapted for virtual delivery and tailored to post-surgical care, in a regional Australian hospital and health service.

Methods: A qualitative exploratory study using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA).

Results: Twenty-two participants took part in a semistructured interview comprising men who had completed the program (n = 16) and health professionals/service stakeholders involved in program delivery (n = 6). Acceptability of this virtual prostate cancer survivorship care program was very high across all constructs of the TFA, from the perspectives of both program recipients and those delivering the program. The quality of care received was seen as superior to what men had experienced previously (burden, opportunity costs). The time afforded by the regularly scheduled video-consultations allowed men to come to terms with the recovery process in their own time (self-efficacy), and provided an ongoing sense of support and access to care outside the consultation (ethicality). Clinically, the program improved care co-ordination, expedited identification of survivorship care needs, and met service priorities of providing quality care close to home (burden, perceived effectiveness).

Conclusions: Findings from this study suggest virtual post-surgical care delivered via videoconferencing is highly acceptable to prostate cancer survivors in a regional setting. Future research exploring virtual program implementation at scale and long-term patient and service outcomes is warranted.

Keywords: cancer; nurse specialists; oncology; patient acceptance of health care; prostatic neoplasms; psycho-oncology; psychosocial intervention; remote consultation; survivorship; telemedicine.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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