Web-Based Peer Navigation for Men with Prostate Cancer and Their Family Caregivers: A Pilot Feasibility Study

Abstract

This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability and potential effects of True North Peer Navigation (PN)-a web-based peer navigation program for men with prostate cancer (PC) and their family caregivers. A one-arm, pre-post pilot feasibility study was conducted at two cancer centres in Canada. Participants were matched through a web-app with a specially trained peer navigator who assessed needs and barriers to care, provided support and encouraged a proactive approach to health for 3 months. Descriptive statistics were calculated, along with paired t-tests. True North PN was feasible, with 57.9 (84/145) recruitment, 84.5 (71/84) pre-questionnaire, 77.5 (55/71) app registration, 92.7 (51/55) match and 66.7 (34/51) post-questionnaire completion rates. Mean satisfaction with Peer Navigators was 8.4/10 (SD 2.15), mean program satisfaction was 6.8/10 (SD 2.9) and mean app usability was 60/100 (SD 14.8). At 3 months, mean +/- SE patient/caregiver activation had improved by 11.5 +/- 3.4 points (p = 0.002), patient quality of life by 1.1 +/- 0.2 points (p < 0.0001), informational support by 0.4 +/- 0.17 points (p = 0.03), practical support by 0.5 +/- 0.25 points (p = 0.04) and less need for support related to fear of recurrence among patients by 0.4 +/- 19 points (p = 0.03). The True North web-based peer navigation program is highly feasible and acceptable among PC patients and caregivers, and the associated improvements in patient and caregiver activation are promising. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to determine effectiveness.