Tablet Versus Quick Response Code: Difference in Research Participation Rates?

Conducting research with immunocompromised populations, especially within the context of a global pandemic, warrants consideration of alternative research methods and modes of administration to keep participants safe. Digital and internet-based research methods have been utilized to minimize the risk of harm with cancer patients; however, adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAs) remain an under served and understudied population with high levels of unmet needs. The purpose of the current study was to examine differences in AYA research participation rates based on two digital survey administration methods (tablet versus QR code). AYAs were randomly assigned to complete an online survey using either a tablet or quick response (QR) code, and participation rates in each group were compared. The total participation rate was 22.9%, with 75% of completed surveys from the tablet group and 25% from the QR code group. While the use of a QR code allows for reduced costs for in-clinic recruitment and may be the most sanitary option during COVID-19, eligible patients in the current study showed trends of increased engagement using a sanitized tablet. It is important to consider how psychosocial research and electronic surveys are administered, as the method may impact recruitment and/or information obtained.

Adolescent and Young Adult Communication Preferences.

The purpose of this study was to examine adolescents and young adults preferred methods of communication by health care professionals and to identify whether this aligns/differs from overall preferred methods of social media use. Sixty-seven participants completed an electronic survey about their communication preferences. Forty-eight participants were patients and 19 were parents. Logistic regression and chi-square analysis were performed to predict social media use and communication preferences from predictors including age, gender, race, and treatment status. More research is needed to generalize these results, and future research could further evaluate the effectiveness of implementing health care interventions using preferred platforms.

The AYA Care Plan: Initial Evaluation of a Web-Based Psychosocial Intervention.

PURPOSE: Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer do not fit neatly into pediatric or older adult oncology care settings. Recent efforts have led to the development of psychosocial interventions for AYAs, but studies show AYAs demonstrate low levels of engagement in psychosocial services. The AYA Care Plan is one of the only web-based tools providing a personalized, psychosocial resource that addresses unmet needs for AYAs in active treatment and post-treatment survivorship. The current study aims to assess the usability and utility of the AYA Care Plan and identify opportunities for improvement. METHODS: Clinic staff administered an online distress and needs assessment to AYA patients with cancer at outpatient oncology clinics. Personalized care plans were sent to participants on the basis of their responses. A total of 11 AYAs between the ages 18 and 39 years, with a mean age of 31.64 years, then completed qualitative interviews about their experiences. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes on the AYA Care Plan. RESULTS: A majority of participants reported positive usability features. Half of the participants reported using their care plan to make health care decisions. One person indicated not finding the resources helpful, and the other half of participants reported not engaging with the care plan. Participants also offered suggestions for improvement. CONCLUSION: The AYA Care Plan appears to be a useful psychosocial intervention for some AYAs with cancer. Future research should continue to examine the AYA Care Plan's usability and utility, and specify when, how, and for whom the AYA Care Plan is useful.