Introduction
The need to improve the quality of life (QoL) and well-being of people living with and beyond cancer is well recognised. SURECAN (SUrvivors' Rehabilitation Evaluation after CANcer) is a multiphase study developing and evaluating a psychological intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for people who have completed hospital-based treatment for cancer but have low QoL. We describe the process by which we iteratively developed and refined ACT+, an intervention in which ACT is integrated with options to support exercise and work. Methods
ACT+ development was guided by the theory of ACT while Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) was used as a sensitising tool at all stages. Evidence from several strands of research comprising a qualitative meta-synthesis, a qualitative study with stakeholders and pre-pilot testing was brought together to refine ACT+. Insights from patient and public involvement (PPI) consultations supported the development and refinement of ACT+ resources throughout. Results
The qualitative study with stakeholders shed light on the ‘real world’ contexts in which the ACT+ intervention would be offered and accessed, as well as the appeal of ACT+ as a therapy for people living with and beyond cancer. People who had treatment for cancer (n = 31) and healthcare professionals (n = 16) provided overall support for the intervention. Subsequent pre-pilot testing of the intervention and qualitative work with cancer patients (n = 6) and therapists (n = 7) led to further refinements. Evidence collected from all strands of research and PPI was integrated in an iterative way to produce an intervention that was acceptable to all. Conclusion
We adopted an iterative and evidence-based approach to the development of the ACT+ intervention, which was acceptable to patients and healthcare professionals. Future work will examine the effectiveness of ACT+. |