An online educational and supportive care application for rectal cancer survivors with low anterior resection syndrome: A mixed methods pilot study

Restorative proctectomy is commonly associated with significant bowel dysfunction, known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), which has a negative impact on patients' quality of life. We developed an online patient-centred application on LARS (eLARS) for rectal cancer survivors. The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of eLARS for rectal cancer survivors with LARS following restorative proctectomy. The secondary objective was to explore participants' experiences with LARS and the eLARS application. This was a mixed methods study, which included a feasibility and qualitative analysis. Participants were rectal cancer survivors who underwent restorative proctectomy for rectal cancer within 3 years, completed all adjuvant treatment, and suffered from bowel dysfunction postoperatively. Participants were given access to the application over a 2-month study period. Feasibility was defined as 75% of study participants using the application ≥4 times per month. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants after the study period and were analysed using thematic analysis. Our sample included eight rectal cancer survivors, five women and three men. The median age was 58.5 years (56.5-64.5). Most participants (75%) were >1-year post-restorative proctectomy. 75% of study participants used the application ≥4 times per month for 2 months. Our thematic analysis revealed that participants felt that they lacked access to credible information and emotional support around the time of ileostomy closure, and found that eLARS addressed these challenges. eLARS is a feasible educational and supportive care intervention for patients with LARS and has the potential to improve patients' quality of life.