The Symptom Navi programme, accessible via www.symptomnavi.ch, 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.
Academics partners
Careum Hochschule Zürich Careum
Sitem-insel und Universität Bern Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine (sitem-insel)
Swiss Center for Design and Health Swiss Center for Design and Health
Clinicals partners
The institutions that use the SNP brochures current list on the website www.symptomnavi.ch
Advisory board
Rahel Inauen Rahel Ursula Inauen (Swiss Center for Design and Health)
Dr. phil. Karin Ribi Dr. Karin Ribi | Kalaidos FH (Careum Hochschule Zürich)
Prof. Dr. Rudolf Blankart Prof. Dr. Rudolf Blankart (sitem-insel und Universität Bern)
Source of funding
Fonds Recherche et Innovation HES-SO Santé de la HES-SO HES-SO - La recherche à la HES-SO - Projets - Soutien - Open Science
Further information
Prof. Marika Bana, PhD, RN, MScN, Associated Professor UAS HEdS-FR - Haute école de santé Fribourg
Dr. phil. Ursula Gehbauer Tichler symptomnavi.ch | A propos de nous
Research team
