Using the ‘person-based approach’ to adapt and optimise an eLearning resource to equip professionals to support families when a significant adult with children (>18 years) is at end of life with cancer

BackgroundWhen an adult with significant caregiving responsibilities for children (>18 years) is at end of life with cancer, families desire guidance and advice on how best to navigate and communicate this end of life experience with their children. Health and social care professionals are ideally placed to provide this supportive care; however, due to a dearth of training opportunities, often report a lack of knowledge, skill and confidence in delivering this important aspect of care. Addressing an evident gap, a face-to-face educational intervention was adapted and optimised to an eLearning resource.MethodsGuided by the ‘Person-Based Approach’ (PBA) to digital intervention development, a face-to-face intervention was adapted with input from an expert group, learning technologists and research team, leading to the design of an eLearning prototype. The optimisation of the eLearning prototype, for acceptability and usability, was enabled through ‘think-aloud’ interviews with end-users (n=13) and patient and public involvement (n=4).ResultsThis iterative adaption and optimisation as guided by PBA enabled navigational improvements, enhanced clarity on language and appropriateness of images and interactive elements within the eLearning resource. During optimisation, positive feedback was reported; especially regarding the ‘look and feel’ and on the educational videos and reflective exercises embedded throughout the eLearning resource.ConclusionsThe PBA provided an iterative and systematic process, with central engagement of end-users and patient and public involvement, to maximise meaningful and feasible professional engagement with the eLearning resource. Future evaluation is required to explore the impact of this eLearning resource towards promoting family-centred supportive end of life care.Legal entity responsible for the studyThe authors.FundingHigher Education Authority.DisclosureA. Drury: Other, Institutional, Board Member: European Oncology Nursing Society. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.