Poster Presentation NSW State Cancer Conference 2023

Can interactive online education modules improve family carer engagement in cancer care? Evaluation of the eTRIO program among oncology health professionals, patients, and carers. (#254)

Rebekah Laidsaar-Powell 1 , Sarah Giunta 1 , Phyllis Butow 1 , Daniel Costa 1 , Rachael Keast 1 , Bogda Koczwara 2 , Judy Kay 1 , Michael Jefford 3 , Sandra Turner 1 , Christobel Saunders 4 , Penelope Schofield 5 , Frances Boyle 6 , Patsy Yates 7 , Kate White 8 , Annie Miller 9 , Rachel Morton 1 , Zoe Butt 1 , Ilona Juraskova 1
  1. University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide , South Australia, Australia
  3. Peter McCallum Department of Oncology , University of Melbourne
  4. Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne
  5. Department of Psychology, and Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute Swinburne University, Melbourne
  6. Centre for Cancer Care and Research, Mater Hospital, Northern Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  7. Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane
  8. The Daffodil Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney
  9. Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW

Aims: Family carers are often heavily involved in cancer care, yet many report feeling unprepared in their caregiving role. Health professionals (HPs) report interpersonal and structural barriers to engaging with carers. Our group designed two evidence-based modules (eTRIO for HPs; eTRIO-PC for patients and carers) to educate stakeholders on improving carer involvement in cancer consultations. The present study aimed to evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of the eTRIO education modules at improving stakeholders’ confidence in carer-related communication, as well as implementation outcomes.

Methods: Participants were recruited through membership in community or professional associations. In this pre-post intervention study, HPs (e.g. oncologists, nurses, social workers), cancer patients and carers completed baseline measures, prior to completing the relevant eTRIO intervention. Post intervention surveys were completed at 1 and 12 weeks. A sub-set of participants completed post-intervention qualitative interviews.

Results: Overall, 42 HPS, 37 carers, and 23 patients completed all quantitative measures. All data has been collected and analyses will be completed in June 2023.

Qualitative interviews were completed by 15 HPs, 21 carers and 13 patients. Qualitative data was analysed alongside user analytics (engagement and completion data) and interpreted according to Proctor et al.’s (2011) implementation outcomes of fidelity, acceptability, appropriateness, adoption, feasibility, and cost.

HPs reflected that the module was highly acceptable, well designed and contained relevant information. Most deemed the time commitment to be acceptable. Some clinicians reported improved knowledge and/or skills, and had implemented eTRIO strategies at work. Patients and carers found the training useful, supportive, and reflective of their experiences. The video vignettes and interactive activities were highly rated by HPs, patients and carers.

Conclusion: The eTRIO modules have been positively evaluated by stakeholders, who found the content engaging and relevant. Participants were satisfied with the usability and functionality of the online interface. Implementation and dissemination of these education programs will be discussed.