Achieving Integrated Self-Directed Cancer Aftercare (ASICA) for melanoma: How a digital intervention to support total skin self-examination was used by people treated for cutaneous melanoma

Felicity Reilly, Lynda Constable, William Brant, Kazi Rahman, Amer Durrani, Nigel Burrows, Charlotte Proby, Julia Allan, Marie Johnston, Derek Johnston, Fiona Walter, Peter Murchie* (Corresponding Author)

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Background
Melanoma incidence has quadrupled since 1970 and melanoma is now the second most common cancer in individuals under 50. Targeted immunotherapies for melanoma now potentially enable long-term remission even in advanced melanoma, but these melanoma survivors require ongoing surveillance, with implications for NHS resources and significant social and psychological consequences for patients. Total skin self-examination (TSSE) can detect recurrence earlier and improve clinical outcomes but is underperformed in the UK. To support survivors, the Achieving Self-directed Integrated Cancer Aftercare (ASICA) intervention was developed to prompt and improve TSSE performance, with subsequent reporting of concerns and submission of skin photos to a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner (DNP). ASICA was delivered as a randomized pilot trial.

Methods
This paper reports on process evaluation. Data on participants’ demographics and the concerns they reported during the trial were tabulated and displayed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. We explored which participants used ASICA, and how frequently, to report any skin concerns. We also determined how the interactions had worked in terms of quality of skin photographs submitted, clinical assessments made by the DNP, and the assessments and decisions made for each concern. Finally, we explored significant events occurring 107 during the trial. Data on participants’ demographics and the concerns they reported during the trial were tabulated and displayed using SPSS. A semi-structured interview was undertaken with the DNP to gain perspective on the range of concerns presented and how they were resolved.

Results
Of 121 recruited melanoma patients receiving ASICA for 12 months, 69 participants submitted a total of 123 reports detailing 189 separate skin-related concerns and including 188 skin photographs. Where participants fully complied with follow-up by the DNP, concerns were usually resolved remotely, but 19 (10.1%) were seen at a secondary care clinic and 14 (7.4%) referred to their GP. 49 (25.9%) of concerns were not completely resolved due to partial non-compliance with DNP follow-up.

Conclusion

Melanoma patients randomized to the ASICA intervention were able to report skin-related concerns that could be resolved remotely through interaction with a DNP. Feasibility issues highlighted by ASICA will support further development and optimization of this digital tool.
Original languageEnglish
Article number1217
Number of pages15
JournalBMC Cancer
Volume21
Early online date13 Nov 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Nov 2021

Bibliographical note

Funding

The study is supported by a grant from a Cancer Research UK Population Research Committee project award (C10673/A21685). The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Cancer Research UK. The funder (through their peer review and funding board review process) approved the study proposal but had no role in the collection, analysis, or interpretation of data or writing of the report.
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge Joanna Kaniewska and Anne Duncan (trial
management) for their contributions to the management of the study.

Keywords

  • Primary care
  • Melanoma
  • Cancer
  • randomised control trial
  • Survivorship
  • Self-directed care
  • e-health

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