Abstract
Purpose: People with cancer have unmet needs during the acute and survivorship phases of treatment and rehabilitation, which negatively impact both their ability to perform everyday tasks and their quality of life. Cancer Coach by Osara Health™️ addresses the holistic needs of people with cancer through telehealth coaching supported by a mobile application and digital participant engagement platform. This study evaluated the impact of the Cancer Coach by Osara Health™️ on the mental and physical health of people with cancer.
Methods: Telephone surveys administered at the start and completion of the program measured global physical, mental and social health, using the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System 10 - Question Short Form - Global Health (PROMIS-10). Pre- and post-scores were compared using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests to assess for significant difference between pre and post PROMIS-10 scores.
Results: There were significant improvements in Global Physical Health, z=-4.966, p=<0.001, with more than a moderate effect size of r=0.37 and Global Mental Health, z=-4.533, p<0.01, with more than a moderate effect size of r=0.34 after the intervention. A significant number of participants improved their mental health scores from ‘good’ to ‘very good’ after the program.
Conclusion: Participants demonstrated significant improvements in physical and mental health after participating in the Cancer Coach by Osara Health™️ intervention.
Implications for Cancer Survivors: Digital engagement interventions for people with cancer, supported by health coaching, can improve emotional and mental health as well as physical well-being.