Increasing skin self-examination after melanoma: an intervention using text and tablet delivery
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1
University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Background: Following surgery for melanoma, there is a high risk of recurrence and it is recommended that patients perform regular total skin self-examination (TSSE) to complement physician follow-up. However practice is sub-optimal and reported barriers to TSSE include lack of training, waning motivation and the time required. The Achieving Self-directed Integrated Cancer Aftercare (ASICA) intervention was developed based on behaviour change theory [Information-Motivation-Behavioural skills model (IMB) and Control Theory].
Aims: This study assessed acceptability and feasibility of ASICA.
Methods: The intervention involves text message prompts from the nurse-lead (N), information and TSSE demonstration by tablet, monitoring of TSSE, photographing any skin changes and sending to N via tablet, feedback and follow-up by N. Interviews were conducted with 21 people previously treated for cutaneous melanoma. The intervention was piloted with 20 people treated for melanoma.
Results: Interviewees were positive about the use of technology to remind and instruct on TSSE, conducting it in their homes and getting feedback quickly. Pilot participants were strongly positive; 15 adhered well to the intervention, 4 intermittently and one withdrew. Symptoms were reported by seven and two had further surgery, one with a recurrent melanoma. Several practical issues were identified. Participants’ intention and self-efficacy increased.
Conclusions: The ASICA intervention was acceptable to most patients and feasible following small technical adjustments. It is now proposed to evaluate the intervention in a randomised controlled trial.
Acknowledgements
This work was funded by the RCUK Digital Economy award to the dot.rural Digital Economy Hub, University of Aberdeen; award reference: EP/G066051/1. The Experience Laboratory event was supported in part be a separate award from the University of Aberdeen Knowledge Exchange and Transfer Fund; award reference: GP057 UZZ0101.
We wish to acknowledge the participation of all people previously treated for melanoma that took part in the interviews and the pilot exercise. We also acknowledge the professional and lay members of our project steering group. We are grateful for the clinical support and expertise lent to the project from Dr Marianne Nicolson, Miss Michaela Davies, Dr Sanjay Rajpara, Dr Frank Muller and Dr Jamie Hogg, all of NHS Grampian. Further we are indebted to Dr Gemma Teale and colleagues who facilitated the Experience Laboratory at Horizon’s in Moray.
Keywords:
Melanoma,
Self-Examination,
Behaviour Change,
intervention,
Digital,
Feasibility study
Conference:
2nd Behaviour Change Conference: Digital Health and Wellbeing, London, United Kingdom, 24 Feb - 25 Feb, 2016.
Presentation Type:
Poster presentation
Topic:
Academic
Citation:
Johnston
M,
Murchie
P,
Allan
J,
Masthoff
J,
Hall
S,
Dennis
M,
Walter
F and
Brant
B
(2016). Increasing skin self-examination after melanoma: an intervention using text and tablet delivery.
Front. Public Health.
Conference Abstract:
2nd Behaviour Change Conference: Digital Health and Wellbeing.
doi: 10.3389/conf.FPUBH.2016.01.00021
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Received:
04 Dec 2015;
Published Online:
09 Jan 2016.
*
Correspondence:
Prof. Marie Johnston, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom, m.johnston@abdn.ac.uk