Older adults’ healthcare needs and expectations of a developing digital platform to enhance supportive care post treatment: Co-creation across four countries

Kotronoulas, G. , Marshall-Mckenna, R. , Kokoroskos, E., Gil Granados, A., Papachristou, P., Papachristou, N., Petridis, G., Collantes, G., Bamidis, P. D. and Billis, A. (2021) Older adults’ healthcare needs and expectations of a developing digital platform to enhance supportive care post treatment: Co-creation across four countries. Journal of Geriatric Oncology, 12(8), S31. (doi: 10.1016/S1879-4068(21)00386-6)

Abstract

Introduction: Realities of the ageing process and pre-existing co-morbidities contribute to the numerous challenges encountered by older adults following cancer treatment. The availability of quality supportive care is essential with an increasing ageing population and longer survivorship. LifeChamps project (https:// lifechamps.eu/) involves artificial intelligence and big data analytics to develop an innovative digital support platform to integrate data collected from patient-reported outcome measures, smart sensors and electronic health records, to enhance supportive care for older adults. Objectives: Explore the views of older end-users on their healthcare needs following initial cancer treatment, and their expectations of the proposed digital platform. Methods: Patients, aged 65 years or above, diagnosed with breast cancer, prostate cancer or melanoma were recruited via social networks/media. We also recruited family caregivers of older patients in a similar way. A mixed-methods design was incorporated. Data was collected via online surveys or telephone interviews in Greece, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Framework analysis was applied to the dataset. Results and Conclusion: Participants included 23 patients (mean age 71.5 years, SD 5.2) and 10 caregivers, who provided support for family members (patients’ mean age 75.6 years, SD 8.5). Older patients identified the need for support with ongoing emotional and physical/symptom-related concerns, such as aching bones/pain, side effects of endocrine therapy, depression and having “information at the right time.” Patients were worried as appointments had been delayed due to Covid-19. Family caregivers felt patients struggle with treatment side-effects and acceptance of life changes. Participants generally felt that the platform would be useful if personalised and would aid communication with clinicians as part of follow-up care. Some older patients felt they were not very comfortable using technology. In conclusion, gaining end-users insights provided a foundation for action and further consultations during the development phases of the LifeChamps project.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: SIOG 2021 Virtual Annual Conference, 4-5 November 2021.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Marshall-Mckenna, Dr Rebecca and Kotronoulas, Dr Greg
• Authors: Kotronoulas, G., Marshall-Mckenna, R., Kokoroskos, E., Gil Granados, A., Papachristou, P., Papachristou, N., Petridis, G., Collantes, G., Bamidis, P. D., and Billis, A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Journal of Geriatric Oncology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1879-4068
• ISSN (Online): 1879-4076
• Published Online: 01 December 2021