Background

Physical activity has been shown to alleviate common symptoms associated with lung cancer, including breathlessness, fatigue, and depression, while enhancing overall well-being^1,2. Web- based interventions are growing in popularity, allowing users to engage in online programs that promote health and well-being, especially as post-COVID-19 efforts shift traditional in-person activities online^3,4. A systematic review was conducted to identify and evaluate existing research on technologies designed to support individuals with lung cancer in maintaining or improving their physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL)^5. The review revealed a significant gap in digital resources for self-management through physical activity and exercise. In response, a novel digital self-management platform was developed using a user-centred approach, integrating two existing apps to provide tailored resources for independent health management for people living with lung cancer.

Methods

Predesign: In addition to the literature review, the lead researcher observed lung cancer clinics and conducted patient and public engagement events, to verify that current services matched the findings from the review and to gather the views of patients, carers, and lung cancer healthcare professionals on the proposed new app. A clickable prototype was created to facilitate co-design sessions.

An agile development methodology⁶ was employed, encompassing multiple iterative phases: meeting, planning, designing, developing, testing, and evaluating. The evaluation of the platform’s content, design, and usability was conducted in two distinct phases. In Phase 1, researchers conducted focus groups and interviews with lung cancer patients, their carers, and healthcare professionals experienced in lung cancer care to inform the development of the app’s content and features. Phase 2 involved a usability study with lung cancer patients to assess the platform’s acceptability, practicality, and impact on self-efficacy.