Enhancing wellbeing in cancer care: Engagement in smart-messaging programmes for symptom management

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background: Despite improved survival rates, cancer patients often face physical and mental health challenges during and post-treatment. With cancer care services under pressure, these issues may go unnoticed. Holistic Needs Assessments attempt to address such problems but can have limited impact, necessitating corresponding interventions. Automated, personalised text-messaging interventions, successful in health monitoring, may be an effective solution but evidence is lacking on their integration into cancer care settings.</p> <p>Objective: To explore the feasibility and engagement in personalised smart-messaging programmes to manage common cancer-related issues.</p> <p>Methods: Recruitment occurred via clinician referrals and flyers in cancer care services. Qualitative and quantitative</p> <p>methods explored engagement data, clinical outcome measures, and qualitative interviews. A workshop involving patients and referring staff explored factors affecting programme implementation.</p> <p>Results: Twenty-seven patients enrolled, exhibiting varied engagement levels. Some participants reported symptom</p> <p>reduction particularly linked to higher engagement. The analysis of qualitative interviews on participant experience of the programmes resulted in themes related to enrolment rationale, sustaining engagement, and participation outcomes; and factors facilitating engagement included the practical and psychological dimensions of programme delivery. Twenty-seven participants responded to 49.95% of messages where responses were possible across 42.90% of enrolled days. The workshop emphasised the need for improved promotional materials and staff training.</p> <p>Conclusion: A tailored text messaging intervention shows promise in alleviating cancer-related symptoms, yet enrolment and active engagement remain obstacles. Enhanced promotional strategies are required to increase programme visibility and impact. Further research and integration into routine care are recommended.</p>