Feasibility and pilot study of Indonesia’s first telehealth support program for gynecological cancer survivors undergoing chemotherapy

Authors

  • Yati Afiyanti Department of Maternity Nursing and Women Health, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9382-6714
  • Dyah Juliastuti Department of Maternity Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Ichsan Satya, Banten, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4159-9166
  • Winnie KW. So The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Ma Liu Shui, Hong Kong https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9243-2924
  • Retno Setiowati Division of Nursing, The Dharmais National Cancer Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Lina A. Nasution Department of Maternity Nursing and Women Health, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia; Department of Maternity Nursing, Faculty of Sport and Health Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1584-8322
  • Aprilia D. Prawesti Department of Maternity Nursing and Women Health, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7424-6746

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52225/narra.v4i3.1131

Keywords:

Feasibility, gynecological cancer, pilot, self-efficacy, telehealth

Abstract

Most Indonesian gynecological cancer survivors experience chemotherapy side effects on their physical and mental health as they face unmet needs of supportive care, which increases the likelihood of discontinuing treatment. Interventions in telehealth assist survivors in resolving these issues. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility of fighting distress, self-efficacy, health effects, and sexual (FoRSHE-X) interventions and evaluate their potential impact on distress level, side effects knowledge and management, self-efficacy, and sexual quality of life. The study involved gynecological cancer survivors who underwent chemotherapy and participated in ten weeks of individual social media-based education, tele-coaching, and teleconsultations, from September 2023 to June 2024. The study feasibility and pilot outcomes were evaluated using descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Of the twelve women recruited, six (50%) completed the study, filled out pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, and participated in interviews. Fifty-four virtual education, coaching, and consultation sessions were performed individually. The statistical results indicated that participants were highly satisfied with the telehealth program, which significantly increased their knowledge (p=0.02), health practices (p=0.04), and self-efficacy (p=0.01). The qualitative analysis highlighted participants' and coaches' perspectives on the study’s acceptance, barriers, and recommendations. In conclusion, this pilot study suggests that a definitive trial to assess the FoRSHE-X interventions is feasible, acceptable, and can be applied not only to gynecological cancer survivors but also to other types of cancer, thereby broadening the potential impact of the study.

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