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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: [email protected]
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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
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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
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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.
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Project Journey
Project
Team
defined
Scoping
and
Development
Build and Test
Launch
11
Nov 2016
Ongoing Community
management
PITCH PROCESS
User Experience Research Schedule
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www.cancercouncil.com.au/OC
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Forums
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Emotions
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Blogs
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Groups
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Information
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Our OC Members
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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?
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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
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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.
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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: [email protected]
http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/OCmailto:[email protected]
