Surviving cancer: pilot of a web-based self-management support programme, eHOPE

Background In the UK, over half of adults presently under the age of 65 will be diagnosed with cancer. 30–43% of patients with cancer exceed cut-off levels for psychological distress, 9–56% experience clinically significant cancer-related fatigue, and 22–90% experience fear of cancer recurrence. Coventry University and Macmillan Cancer Support have developed the eHOPE programme, a 6 week web-based, self-management programme underpinned by positive psychology theory and practice. The interactive learning, social networking methods, and activities were: self-monitoring tools (eg, physical activity); worksheets, diaries, and decision aids; gratitude and goal setting recording walls; audio and video information and support materials; social networking via discussion forums; and messaging. The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether eHOPE could improve quality of life including mental health wellbeing in cancer survivors. Methods Data were collected between March 1 and Dec 31, 2014. Participants were recruited via the Macmillan Cancer support website, Macmillan facebook sites, and other social media sites used by Macmillan; they were self-selecting. 51 cancer survivors enrolled on the eHOPE course and completed baseline and postcourse questionnaires (Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Survivors Scale [fatigue and fear of recurrence subscales], PHQ-9 [depression], GAD-7 [anxiety], WEMWBS [positive mental wellbeing], Adult State Hope Scale [hope], and the GQ-6 [gratitude]). Five participants also took part in postcourse interviews. Ethics approval was given by the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Ethics Committee at Coventry University. Findings Mean age of participants was 54 years (SD 9·6) and most (45 [89%] of 51) were women. Statistically significant improvements were seen in all outcomes (p