Aim:
Digital health interventions (DHIs) are increasingly being used to support adherence to patient-led Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) recommendations following cancer surgery. This study examined the acceptability of RecoverEsupport, a DHI designed to support colorectal cancer (CRC) patients' adherence to patient-led ERAS recommendations after surgery.
Methods:
A mixed-methods convergent parallel pragmatic acceptability study was conducted within a randomised controlled trial. Adults undergoing planned CRC bowel resection, with an expected hospital stay of ≥3 days and internet access, were recruited from two hospitals in Newcastle, Australia. Intervention participants were invited to complete a quantitative survey and semi-structured interview. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed separately using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively, before integration and synthesis.
Results:
Twelve participants completed the survey and 11 participated in interviews, with seven completing both. Acceptability was high, with all survey participants agreeing that RecoverEsupport was relevant, easy to use, and would be recommended to others (12/12, 100%). Interview participants described the intervention as comprehensive, emotionally supportive, accessible, and low burden. Integration of quantitative and qualitative findings demonstrated strong convergence and complementarity, with limited divergence. RecoverEsupport supported recovery planning for participants and their families and facilitated return to usual activities. However, participants' support needs evolved throughout recovery, influencing perceptions of the intervention's relevance over time.
Conclusions:
RecoverEsupport was highly acceptable to patients undergoing CRC surgery. A mixed-methods approach provided comprehensive insight into multiple dimensions of intervention acceptability. These findings support the potential of DHIs to enhance recovery following colorectal cancer surgery.