Feasibility of Microlearning for Improving the Self-Efficacy of Cancer Patients Managing Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Abstract

Lung cancer patients have a high symptom burden that negatively affects their quality of life. Increasing patient self-efficacy to deal with treatment side effects can ameliorate their symptom burden. Education programs can help enhance patient self-efficacy by giving patients more control over their condition through increased disease literacy. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of microlearning for delivering lung cancer patients' information on side effects of chemotherapy. Secondary objectives of the program are to understand the acceptability of microlearning for delivery this type of education to lung cancer patients and the potential impact of microlearning on patient self-efficacy, knowledge and confidence managing side effects of chemotherapy. A mixed-methods prepost test (or quasi-experimental) study design was used to better enable patients to identify and manage the side effects of their condition and chemotherapy. Participants were patients diagnosed with stage II to stage IV lung cancer, who had a life expectancy of greater than 3 months and were aged 18 years or older. Multiple validated scales were used to assess patient self-efficacy pre- and post-intervention. The online program was evaluated using quantitative data of completion rates extracted from the online platform. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the impact of the online program on perceived self-efficacy and quality of life. Twenty-three participants agreed to participate in the study and five agreed to complete a semi-structured interview. Participants found the content comprehensive, relevant and engaging. The program improved perceived disease literacy and helped participants develop coping strategies to manage side effects. Participants also found the platform easy to use and navigate. Additional courses and features were requested. Patients with a diagnosis of cancer receive a large amount of information about the side effects of chemotherapy and how to manage them. This information is often provided soon after diagnosis or upon commencement of therapy, which can be overwhelming for some patients. Microlearning, a method of online learning that spaces distributing of content over several weeks, may be a useful tool for supporting delivering of health information to this group of patients.

Keywords: Digital health; Lung cancer; Online learning; Patient education.