Feasibility of Synchronous Online Focus Groups of Rural Breast Cancer Survivors on Web-Based Distress Self-Management

Purpose: To obtain rural breast cancer survivors’ perceptions of CaringGuidance™ After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, a web-based, psychoeducational, distress self-management program, and explore the feasibility of gathering survivors’ perceptions about CaringGuidance using online focus groups (OFGs).

Participants & Setting: 23 survivors of early-stage breast cancer, a mean of 2.5 years postdiagnosis, living in rural Nebraska.

Methodologic Approach: Participants reviewed the CaringGuidance program independently for an average of 12 days prior to their designated OFG. The extent of participants’ pre-OFG review was verified electronically. Four synchronous, moderated OFGs were conducted. Demographic and OFG participation data were used to assess feasibility. Transcripts of OFGs were analyzed using directed content analysis.

Findings: All enrolled women participated in their designated OFG. Five themes of the quality and usability of CaringGuidance were identified. Recommendations were used to modify CaringGuidance prior to the pilot efficacy trial.

Implications for Nursing: The findings contribute to nurses’ knowledge and guide assessment and interventions pertaining to psychosocial needs of rural women with breast cancer, OFGs, and qualities rural women seek in web-based psychological interventions.