Evaluating The Patient Experience In Virtual Lung Cancer Exercise Rehabilitation

Exercise trials for people with lung cancer have experienced low adherence and high attrition. A virtual group exercise protocol may assist in overcoming reported barriers to participation, such as fatigue and challenges with travel to in-person programs. PURPOSE: To evaluate participant experience in a virtual, supervised, group-based exercise program for people with lung cancer. METHODS: Participants with inoperable lung cancer undergoing systemic therapy were recruited to "Mitigation of decline with Virtual Exercise (MoVE)," a prospective single-arm, feasibility trial (n = 27). The study was a 12-week, supervised, virtual group exercise intervention. In a purposive sample of participants (n = 9), semi-structured interviews were conducted by a research assistant who did not deliver the program. The interview focused on motivation, benefits and obstacles, proposed improvements, and willingness to pay. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four themes were identified. 1) The program was perceived as beneficial: Participants reported a perceived increase in strength and capacity for exercise. 2) The delivery method was acceptable: The group environment played a significant role in motivating participants to attend; many reported feeling accountable to the group and a sense of community. Virtual delivery was cited as convenient, enabling many to attend most sessions. All participants reported feeling safe with only online supervision. 3) Obstacles: Technological obstacles such as trouble changing the video size or Internet connection were reported, but were resolved by the participant early in the program. 4) Suggestions for future programs: More opportunities for socializing beyond opening the video-conferencing room early, such as a hybrid delivery model, were suggested. Subsidized programs were looked upon favourably. Having a company sponsor the program was acceptable, though advertisements and anonymity were a concern. CONCLUSIONS: MoVE was well-accepted, and the virtual delivery method facilitated its success. This virtual group exercise design is feasible and acceptable for this population. Suggestions for future iterations of MoVE centered around increased opportunities for socializing and subsidized programming. BC Lung Foundation