Digital tool to promote self-management for people affected by cancer

The Symptom Navi programme supports patients and informal caregivers to better manage the effects of cancer disease and its treatments. Digital tools such as websites and applications are playing an increasingly important role in supporting self-management. However, little research has been carried out into how they are used and how well they meet users' needs.

The ACASEM study "Access to Cancer Self-Management support with the Symptom Navi website" will be conducted in two phases, using quantitative and qualitative methods:

1st phase (quantitative study, n = 150): Users of the website, including people diagnosed with cancer and informal caregivers, will be invited to complete a survey on their user experience and digital skills. People diagnosed with cancer will also answer specific questions about their perceived self-efficacy and self-management behaviour. This quantitative data will be analysed and informs the second study phase.

Phase 2 (qualitative study): Three focus groups will be organised: two in German and one in French. Participants will discuss how they navigate on the website, their suggestions for improvement and any self-management needs they may have when searching for self-management information.

The data from both phases will be analysed together. With the help of a committee of experts (the study's supervisory committee), a consensus will be sought to adapt the site to users' needs. The validated modifications will then be implemented on the website.