Aim: To explore factors associated with uptake of digitally-delivered exercise models to support treatment readiness and recovery among Haematological cancer survivors.
Methods: A survey study via Qualtrics was conducted (August 2021) among adults self-reporting a diagnosis of Haematological cancer within the last five years. Three models of digitally-delivered exercise support (video teleconferencing, live coaching with remote monitoring, self-guided web-based program with minimal contact) were described. Participants were asked to report the likelihood of uptake for each model on a 5-point Likert scale (not at all likely to extremely likely). Response reasons were collected via an open-ended question. Demographic, health and exercise behaviours were also recorded. Ordinal regression was used to explore participant characteristics associated with likelihood of uptake of each model on a complete case basis. Open-ended responses were analysed thematically.
Results: Participants (N = 70) were generally representative of the target population. Though those meeting physical activity guidelines (67%) and those diagnosed with myeloma (63%) were overrepresented. Average time since diagnosis was 2.2 years (SD 1.7). Self-reported likelihood of uptake was highest for the remote monitoring model, followed by the web-based minimal contact model (65% versus 60% rating ‘extremely or “quite a bit”). Video-teleconferencing was the lowest rated model (54%). Living outside of a major city and having a university degree were associated with higher likelihood ratings. English as a second language was associated with a lower likelihood rating for the minimal contact model. Participant open-ended responses highlighted both facilitators (e.g., flexibility) and barriers (e.g., lack of social connection, ill-health) for implementing the models.
Conclusions: This study provides important insights into which patients may be less interested or able to participate in digitally-delivered models of exercise support, and subsequently for whom such programs may be most suitable and what barriers and facilitators should be considered.