JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Skin cancer affects millions of Americans and is an important focus of disease prevention efforts. Partnering with non-healthcare practitioners such as massage therapists (MTs) has potential for skin cancer risk reduction. MTs see clients’ skin on a regular basis, allowing them to deliver “helping conversations”—brief behavioral interventions aimed at skin cancer risk reduction.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate 1) the feasibility of recruiting, enrolling and retaining Arizona MTs in an online electronic training (e-training) and 2) preliminary efficacy of the e-training on skin cancer risk reduction knowledge, attitudes/beliefs and practice.

Methods:

We adapted existing skin cancer education content for applicability to MTs and strategies from previous research on helping conversations. We assessed feasibility using data in Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap), assessing preliminary efficacy using established self-report surveys at baseline, immediately post-training, and 3 and 6 months post training. We collected and assessed data between 2018 and 2020.

Results:

Ninety-five participants enrolled in the study; 73 (77%) completed assessments at 6 months (overall attrition 23%). Project satisfaction and e-training acceptability were high. Skin cancer risk reduction knowledge, personal behaviors (SSE, clinical skin examination; sun protection frequency), and practice attitudes (appropriateness and comfort with client-focused communication) all improved significantly and were sustained throughout the study.

Conclusions:

The e-training was feasible and could be delivered online successfully to MTs. Participants were highly satisfied with, and accepting of, the e-training. The training has potential as an intervention in larger trials of MTs and skin cancer risk reduction.