Efficacy of telehealth-based coaching to improve physical activity and overall experience for cancer survivors: a secondary, mixed-methods analysis of a randomized control trial
ABSTRACT
Background:
Maintaining adequate physical activity levels poses a significant challenge for cancer survivors. HealthScore is a telehealth coaching program that focuses on optimizing the overall health of cancer survivors through (1) weekly, structured coaching sessions, and (2) physiologic-based patient-generated health data (PGHD) capture to enable comprehensive support to promote health. This pilot study assessed HealthScore’s potential in improving physical activity and the overall experience of cancer patients qualitatively in intervention participants vs. controls.
Objective:
This study assessed the potential of a telehealth-based coach program i.e., HealthScore, in improving physical activity and the overall experience of cancer survivors.
Methods:
We performed a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled study of cancer survivors who participated in a comprehensive health coaching intervention called HealthScore. Participants in control and intervention groups received a FitBit activity tracker that collected metrics such as heart rate, step counts, active minutes, and calories burned. Exit interviews were conducted with intervention arm participants to ascertain their experiences with HealthScore. Data were collected between May 2020 and March 2022.
Results:
Of the 32 participants enrolled, 20 (62%) were in the intervention group. Weekly average step counts in the intervention arm showed an increasing trend, which was significantly higher than that of the control group [regression slope = 5.89 vs. 2.80;p-value < 0.001). Average walking distances among intervention participants increased, which was also significantly higher than that of the control group (regression slope= 0.0046 vs. 0.0017; p-value < 0.0001). Participants in the intervention group reported a growing sense of accountability and motivation. One barrier was completing the weekly monitoring PRO surveys, which were focused on symptoms and physical function and not always aligned with participants’ goals.
Conclusions:
The HealthScore telehealth coaching program improved physical activity levels among cancer survivors and enhanced motivation and accountability. These findings support the integration of telehealth-based health coaching into post-treatment care, promoting healthier lifestyles and improved quality of life for cancer survivors. Clinical Trial: The HealthScore Health Coaching Program (HealthScore), NCT04923997, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04923997
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