Cancer Council Online Community

Increasing psychosocial support through digital channels

Annette Beattie, Kate Fenerty, Amy Howard, Alison Chance

Annette Beattie Cancer Council NSW

14 September 2017 E: annetteb@nswcc.org.au

Background

Formally known as Cancer Connections, the Cancer Council Online

Community (OC) was launched in 2009 to meet the growing need for

online support of those impacted by cancer

• 135,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australia in 2017

• By 2020 it is expected to be 150,000 new cases

• It is estimated 82,000 newly diagnosed people will search online for

information each year[1]

• Approximately 42,000 will visit an online support group forum at least

once[2].

[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2017. Cancer in Australia 2017. Cancer series no. 101. Cat. No. CAN 100. Canberra: AIHW. [2] Fernsler JI, Manchester LJ. Evaluations of computer based cancer support network. Cancer Pract.1997 Jan-Feb; 5 (1): 46-51

Background

Research shows the provision of online information and

support to people affected by cancer helps them to:

• gain control

• reduce anxiety

• improve compliance

• create realistic expectations

• promote self-care

• generate feelings of safety and security[3].

[3] Monnier J, Laken M. Carter CL. Patient and caregiver interest in internet-based cancer services. Cancer Pract.2002. Nov –Dec 10 (6) 305-10

Aim

To provide an online community platform

for people affected by cancer to connect,

share experiences and find information

and support in a safe forum.

Project Journey

Project

Team

defined

Scoping

and

Development

Build and Test

Launch

11

Nov 2016

Ongoing Community

management

PITCH PROCESS

User Experience Research Schedule

www.cancercouncil.com.au/OC

Forums

Emotions

Blogs

Groups

Information

Our OC Members

Evaluation plan, phased over 3 years, conducted cumulatively to assess:

• Reach

• Appropriateness

• Effectiveness

• Efficiency

• User experience

Multiple assessment methods:

• Google Analytics

• Lithium Social Intelligence and Community Health Index

• Online Community Self Report Surveys.

How do we know it’s working?

Outcomes to date

Reach • 5000+ members

Engagement • 113,142 page views

• 27,998 total visits

Target Audience • 87% Australian

• 13% International.

38%

36%

16%

1%9%

How does Cancer affect me?

I have cancer

My loved one or someone I knowhas cancer

I am a survivor

I am a health professional

Other

Where to next?

The Cancer Council Online Community vision includes:

• Improve personalised experiences for community members

based on interests and preferences

• Increase target internet support groups with virtual guest

speakers and seminars

• Increase moderation capacity as the community grows to

include peer support volunteers.

Thank you

www.cancercouncil.com.au/OC

Cancer Council Online Community Members

Kate Fenerty & CCNSW Cancer Support Team

Amy Howard & CCNSW Digital Team

Alison Chance & CCNSW Evaluation Team

Annette Beattie

Cancer Council NSW

Email: annetteb@nswcc.org.au

http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/OCmailto:annetteb@nswcc.org.au