Aims: While digital psycho-oncology interventions are increasing in use, few have targeted the needs of patients with advanced disease. To overcome this gap, we commenced an iterative co-design process, adapting our evidence-based Finding My Way program to meet the needs of women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). This process has resulted in a 6-module self-guided CBT-based prototype, Finding My Way-Advanced. The aim of the present study was to usability test this prototype.
Methods: Cognitive (i.e., ‘think-aloud’) interviews were conducted with women living with MBC. Participants attended an interview where they accessed up to three modules with an interviewer sitting along-side. Participants were recruited until saturation of themes occurred. Data was analysed thematically.
Results: Participants (n=8) were aged 65.3 years (47-76), with most (n=5) partnered, retired (n=6), post-secondary school educated (n=6), with non-dependent children (n=7). Each module was reviewed by 2-3 participants. Positive feedback was received regarding: (a) video content, particularly the relevant educational information, and representative age range of featured women; (b) the language: clear layout, understandable, and positive; (c) ease of navigation, once orientated to the program; (d) time/convenience; and (d) the normalising / validating nature of the program. Issues to be addressed included: (a) the layout was not intuitive at times, which confused users; (b) ‘scrolling’ issues, resulting in key content sometimes being missed, and (c) select worksheets not being intuitive.
Conclusions: While usability testing overall yielded positive feedback, the process highlighted the importance of involving end-users in the co-design process, as a number of pragmatic issues were identified that have now been addressed prior to commencing an RCT (currently in progress).