Poster Presentation 2025 National Cancer Survivorship Conference

Stakeholder perspectives of a web-based psychosocial intervention for haematological cancer survivors: Preliminary findings (#154)

Deborah Raphael 1 , Keiko Oda 1 , Fiona Sayer 2 , Lisa Williams 1 , Tess Moeke-Maxwell 1 , Rosemary Frey 1 , Merryn Gott 1 , Lisa Beatty 3
  1. School of Nursing, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
  2. School of Healthcare and Social Practice, Unitech, Auckland, New Zealand
  3. College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Purpose

Psychosocial support is limited for haematological cancer survivors in Aotearoa/New Zealand (NZ). The current research is Phase One of a larger project which aims to co-design an adaptation of the Finding My Way (FMW) intervention for haematological cancer survivors in NZ. FMW is a web-based psychosocial intervention for cancer survivors developed in Australia by Beatty et al. The aim of this phase was to explore initial stakeholder perspectives of the FMW intervention and its suitability for the NZ context.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 stakeholders (12 haematological cancer survivors and 8 health professionals/support workers). The interviews explored participant views regarding the feasibility and acceptability of the FMW intervention and its use for haematological cancer survivors in NZ. Interview data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Preliminary analysis identified three themes: Perceived Positives and Benefits, Potential Barriers, and Useful Adaptations. Most participants saw the possible benefits of the FMW intervention, particularly its capacity to address gaps in psychosocial support for cancer survivors. Barriers identified primarily related to the online format rather than the intervention's content. Concerns included potential technological challenges for some users or a preference by some for face-to-face support. Participants also suggested adaptations to better align the intervention with the NZ context and the needs of haematological cancer survivors. Suggestions included incorporating information specific to the challenges of haematological cancer treatment and survivorship, as well as ensuring cultural appropriateness, particularly for Māori cancer survivors.

Conclusion

Both cancer survivors and health professionals were positive about the FMW intervention, and most recognised that this intervention would fill a significant gap in current psychosocial support. The findings suggest that FMW has the potential to be a valuable tool for NZ cancer survivors. Once the appropriate adaptation has been implemented, a pilot study will be conducted to test the intervention within the NZ context.