Abstract
Background
We conducted a feasibility study of integrating a free, online patient health community,
PatientsLikeMe (PLM), into the neo/adjuvant care of older patients recently diagnosed
with breast cancer. We assessed whether PLM was an appealing social forum to improve
women's treatment experience during this stressful and often isolating time.
Patients and Methods
We enrolled women ages 60 years with recently diagnosed nonmetastatic invasive breast cancer at a single
center. Our primary endpoint was feasibility of patient engagement with PLM, with
successful engagement defined as using PLM for 50% of the total weeks of one's chemotherapy course or 4 months (if receiving hormonal and/or radiation therapy). Participants were surveyed
about their health, social support, and experiences.
Results
During February 8, 2016 to June 25, 2018, 47 women enrolled; 14.9% were ages 71 to
75 years and 8.5% were ages 76 years; 63.8% received chemotherapy. Two women withdrew after consent; 45 were included
in analyses. Overall, 1 (2.2%) patient met the feasibility endpoint, although 8 (17.8%)
met engagement criteria for ≥25% of weeks on study. Over time, women submitted a total
of >1200 posts to the “InstantMe” feature (rates how they feel) and >130 “MyFeed”
stories. Evaluation of satisfaction with PLM was limited by the small number of end-of-study
surveys.
Conclusion
Although our online social support intervention did not meet the prespecified criteria
for feasibility (required sustained PLM utilization), many engaged with PLM. Future
interventions should explore ways we can optimally support older patients, who have
an increasing access to technology while facing threats of social isolation.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 11, 2021
Accepted:
June 8,
2021
Received in revised form:
May 18,
2021
Received:
March 15,
2021
Footnotes
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02639208.
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
