The Feasibility of a Co‐Designed Online Healthy Living Intervention for Cancer Survivors: Valuable Content, But Limited Engagement

INTRODUCTION: Healthy Living after Cancer (HLaC) was an evidence-based, telephone-delivered lifestyle program for survivors. HLaC Online was co-designed with cancer survivors, healthcare professionals, and cancer support representatives to enhance sustainability and reach through a self-directed digital format, while incorporating both physical health and mental health content. This study examined HLaC Online's feasibility. METHODS: Eleven Australian post-treatment cancer survivors participated in a 12-week, single-arm pilot with mixed-methods evaluation. Feasibility indicators included uptake, usage, attrition, usability, satisfaction, and indicators of preliminary efficacy. RESULTS: Of 318 website visitors, 11 enrolled, with nearly half never logging in. Module usage was limited (M = 3.3 of 9 modules) and only 5 completed follow-up. Perceived usability of HLaC Online was varied (rated F- B+). Qualitative feedback highlighted the relevance of psychosocial modules, but engagement was hindered by technology barriers, cancer-related symptoms, and lack of guidance. Participants suggested human support for orientation, accountability, and motivation. CONCLUSIONS: While HLaC Online was valued for its co-designed mental health focus, feasibility was limited without guidance. Findings raise questions about which survivors can benefit from self-directed digital programs versus those requiring human support. Future work should explore referral pathways, scalable human support models, and tailoring by need.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Psycho-Oncology
Published
2026-05-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.70486
Primary Topic
Cancer survivorship and care
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

The Feasibility of a Co‐Designed Online Healthy Living Intervention for Cancer Survivors: Valuable Content, But Limited Engagement

Morgan Leske, Jason Blunt, Camille E. Short, Lisa Beatty et al.
Psycho-Oncology
Cancer survivorship and care
article

The Feasibility of a Co‐Designed Online Healthy Living Intervention for Cancer Survivors: Valuable Content, But Limited Engagement

Morgan Leske, Jason Blunt, Camille E. Short, Lisa Beatty, Jon Degner, Bogda Koczwara, Anthony Daly, Julia N. Morris
article en

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Healthy Living after Cancer (HLaC) was an evidence-based, telephone-delivered lifestyle program for survivors. HLaC Online was co-designed with cancer survivors, healthcare professionals, and cancer support representatives to enhance sustainability and reach through a self-directed digital format, while incorporating both physical health and mental health content. This study examined HLaC Online's feasibility. METHODS: Eleven Australian post-treatment cancer survivors participated in a 12-week, single-arm pilot with mixed-methods evaluation. Feasibility indicators included uptake, usage, attrition, usability, satisfaction, and indicators of preliminary efficacy. RESULTS: Of 318 website visitors, 11 enrolled, with nearly half never logging in. Module usage was limited (M = 3.3 of 9 modules) and only 5 completed follow-up. Perceived usability of HLaC Online was varied (rated F- B+). Qualitative feedback highlighted the relevance of psychosocial modules, but engagement was hindered by technology barriers, cancer-related symptoms, and lack of guidance. Participants suggested human support for orientation, accountability, and motivation. CONCLUSIONS: While HLaC Online was valued for its co-designed mental health focus, feasibility was limited without guidance. Findings raise questions about which survivors can benefit from self-directed digital programs versus those requiring human support. Future work should explore referral pathways, scalable human support models, and tailoring by need.

Psycho-OncologyVol. 35(5)
Flinders University (AU), Australian Cancer Research Foundation (AU), Cancer Australia (AU), Cancer Council SA (AU), Melbourne Health (AU)
Flinders University, Cancer Council South Australia
Openalex Percentile: Top 7%
Cancer survivorship and care
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.