Improving Self-Efficacy and Patient Activation in Cancer Survivors through Digital Health Interventions: Findings from the PERSIST Project (Preprint)

Cancer survivors face various challenges but also demonstrate resilience and find ways to adapt and cope with life after cancer. Self-efficacy and patient activation are two crucial factors that significantly impact the well-being of cancer survivors. These concepts play a vital role in enabling cancer survivors to take control of their health, manage their treatment effectively, and achieve positive long-term outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of a mobile health system (mHealthApp) to improve the self-efficacy and patient activation of breast cancer and colorectal cancer survivors. This study presents the findings from clinical trials conducted according to the published study protocol of the PERSIST project that was funded by European Commision to support cancer survivors using digital health technologies. The acceptability and usability of the mHealthApp, as well as the perceived self-efficacy and satisfaction with care, were assessed using validated tools such as CASE-cancer, PAM, and SUS. The results indicate that the PERSIST project partially achieved its predefined objectives and hypotheses by enhancing the self-confidence and satisfaction of cancer survivors with healthcare and improving the effectiveness of cancer treatment and follow-up procedures to some extent. The PERSIST project demonstrates the potential to improve clinical outcomes, empower patients, and contribute to broader social goals in cancer survivorship. However, larger studies involving a more diverse patient population and a greater number of clinicians are necessary to establish the effectiveness of digital therapies in cancer survivorship care and to provide additional data and evidence.