Development and Qualitative Evaluation of a Self-Management Workshop for Testicular Cancer Survivor-Initiated Follow-Up

Purpose/Objectives: To describe the needs of testicular cancer survivors, develop a nurse-led workshop, and explore the experience of participation.

Research Approach: A systematic intervention development process was used to design a self-management workshop for cancer survivors, which then was evaluated qualitatively.

Setting: Outpatient clinic in England.

Participants: 26 healthcare professionals, charity workers, family members, and testicular cancer survivors participated in the intervention development process. Six testicular cancer survivors attended the workshop and participated in the postintervention focus group discussion.

Methodologic Approach: Ten participants, including four survivors, completed the initial needs assessment interviews. Twenty-six participants then rated the identified needs on two dimensions: importance to self-management and changeability via a self-management intervention. Literature review and expert consultation were used to identify potential workshop components. To explore the experience of attending the intervention, six testicular cancer survivors who participated in the nurse-led workshop were interviewed six weeks later.

Findings: The workshop was well received by participants, who appreciated the goal-setting and information provision activities. The men also felt that they had benefited from the experience of being in the group.

Conclusions: Testicular cancer survivors had unmet post-treatment needs. The systematic intervention development method led to an evidence-based workshop to address those needs. Men reported benefits from attending the workshop, which may help maintain and improve health.

Interpretation: Nurse-led workshops can address the current unmet needs of testicular cancer survivors.

Knowledge Translation: Testicular cancer survivors may require support with health information, maintaining psychological health, and monitoring cancer symptoms. Survivors also need help planning and maintaining an active lifestyle. In addition, a brief workshop approach to intervention delivery is acceptable to testicular cancer survivors.