Nurses' perceptions of a digital supportive intervention for patients with breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND

Interventions using electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) have proven effective in enhancing patient support and self-care during cancer treatment. Successful implementation depends on nurses' acceptance, as they play an important role in patient care and support.

AIM: To describe nurses' perceptions of an interactive digital intervention (Interaktor) to provide support in symptom management for patients with breast cancer during neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

METHOD: This qualitative study involves paired interviews with four purposively sampled nurses involved in a complex digital support intervention at two oncology clinics in Sweden. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Two themes reveal that Interaktor can be effectively integrated into clinical practice, highlighting the importance of establishing routines, allocating time, and customising user-friendliness. The nurses were enabled to identify patients' needs for additional support and enhance their ability to involve patients in their care. Potential benefits for other healthcare professionals were recognised.

CONCLUSIONS

The integration of Interaktor into breast cancer care was accepted by nurses and may offer benefits for patients and healthcare professionals. Using ePROs can help identify patients with an extended need for supportive care. Time constraints, digital skills, and workflow integration are challenges that need to be addressed for future implementation.