The impact of online programming on cancer patients

Abstract

This preliminary and qualitative study examined how online cancer support programming has impacted cancer patients–specifically, the effects on their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We also investigated how cancer support programming could be improved from the perspectives of the participants. Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations have shifted to online-based approaches to allow for continued access. The sudden shift to online programming caused a significant learning curve for organization staff, volunteers, and members. This study was conducted entirely online and results were analyzed qualitatively. To facilitate this study, we recruited six participants from a Canadian cancer support organization. All six participants were between the ages of 60 and 70, a common age of members at this specific cancer support agency. Once participants were recruited, they received an informed consent form, interview questions, and a form requesting their consent to use their data through Google forms. The interview consisted of 10 questions and took approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Through thematic analysis, we found five themes that reflected our participants’ experiences with online programming: social connection, positive emotions, growth and gains, challenges and difficulties, and easy accessibility. Our findings showed more positive than negative outcomes of online programming; however, there were still challenges, such as participants losing the strong in-person connections they once experienced. This study is especially significant as the world moves forward through the global pandemic and in-person supports are being interrupted. Many cancer patients currently rely on in-person support and, therefore, research aimed towards studying the best alternatives when in-person programming is simply not possible has become a priority issue.