Menopausal symptoms are common in cancer survivors, often affecting their daily lives. Despite available treatments, few have access to adequate symptom management. Novel approaches, such as those incorporating symptom assessment and tailored or stepped approaches, are needed. This study explored perceived enablers and barriers to using an online patient-driven stepped-care platform to screen for and manage menopausal symptoms. Women with a history of cancer were invited through partner organisations by email or social media. Participants completed semi-structured interview based on a theoretical domain framework and the capability, opportunity, and motivation-behavior model. Transcripts were coded into the 14 theoretical domains. Belief statements were analysed into themes and categorised as enablers or barriers. Twenty participants (aged 30–75) were interviewed. Most were Australian-born (n = 18), held vocational training or bachelor’s degree (n = 12), and were employed (n = 11). The most common cancer experienced was breast (n = 6), most had received chemotherapy (n = 16), were pre-menopausal before treatment (n = 13) and reported hot flushes or vaginal dryness (n = 14 each). Twenty-eight themes were identified. Enablers included high confidence in using mobile technologies, a user-friendly platform, and their role as “cancer survivor” to self-manage symptoms. Barriers included low awareness of the stepped-care concept, patient-related comorbidities, and time constraints. The platform’s concept was viewed positively and as important, with high intention to use and follow recommended pathways. This study provides insights into factors that could influence survivors’ engagement with the platform. Findings will guide the prototype development.
Serwaa et al. (Mon,) studied this question.