Abstracts

Background:

Lung cancer is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide and is associated with various unmet supportive care needs. To address these needs, a 6-week virtual program called Inspire Now was developed, integrating yoga, education, and group support. The primary objective of this mixed-methods observational study was to evaluate the program’s impact on quality of life (QOL). Secondary objectives included changes in participant-identified concerns, participants’ qualitative experiences, and acceptability of virtual delivery.

Methods:

Eligible participants included people with primary lung cancer enrolled in the program. Questionnaires were administered at baseline and program completion. QOL and patient-identified concerns were evaluated by within-person changes in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Lung (FACT-L) and Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW). Qualitative experiences and feasibility of virtual delivery were obtained by MYCaW and an internally developed questionnaire. FACT-L and MYCaW were analyzed using paired t-tests, and qualitative data was evaluated by an inductive thematic analysis.

Results:

Forty-five participants were enrolled and 31 were eligible for analysis. Most were female (87%), had stage IV disease (68%), and were on active treatment (74%). Significant improvements were observed in FACT-General and Lung scores (mean changes: +6.1, 95% CI 2.2- 10.0, P = .003; +5.9, 95% CI 1.1-10.7, P = .02, respectively). MYCaW concerns and overall wellbeing were significantly improved. Participants viewed the virtual format favorably. Emotional support and connection were the most valued aspects of the program.

Conclusion:

A 6-week virtual program of yoga, education, and group support improved QOL, patient-specific concerns, and wellbeing for those with lung cancer.

DOI link: https://doi.org/10.1177/15347354251385246