Design and Development of a Multimodal Digital Intervention (SHIFT App) to Address Sexual Dysfunction in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Survivors

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) survivors frequently experience persistent sexual dysfunction, which is associated with impaired quality of life and increased psychological distress. The lack of availability of clinicians with expertise in sexual health limits the capacity to address sexual health concerns in HSCT survivors. Digital health applications may offer a patient-centered and scalable solution to address sexual health concerns in cancer survivors. The objective of this report is to delineate the iterative process of adapting an in-person sexual health intervention into a self-administered digital application called “Sexual Health and Intimacy Following Transplant (SHIFT)” and the refinement of SHIFT using stakeholder feedback. We used a five-step development model to adapt SHIFT that included: (1) implementation of a multimodal bio-psycho-social conceptual framework, (2) development of a comprehensive intervention manual and SHIFT content, (3) translation of the intervention manual into an interactive storyline with a focus on enhancing patient engagement, (4) creation of initial SHIFT wireframes, and (5) refinement of SHIFT through iterative alpha and beta testing. At each step, key stakeholders including HSCT survivors, HSCT clinicians, and experts in sexual health, psychology, and digital health provided iterative feedback. We adapted SHIFT based on our conceptual framework, prior in-person intervention work, and iterative stakeholder feedback in each application development stage. SHIFT incorporates medical information, educational materials, intimacy exercises, and activities to address the multiple etiologies of sexual health concerns in HSCT survivors. SHIFT includes strategies to enhance engagement including gamification, personalization, and incorporation of video from HSCT survivors and clinicians. Based on stakeholder feedback, SHIFT was refined with a focus on inclusivity of gender, sexual orientation, relationship status, and body image concerns. SHIFT is novel, patient-centered digital application to address sexual dysfunction in HSCT survivors. Iterative feedback from key stakeholders including HSCT survivors guided SHIFT adaptation and refinement, to optimize patient engagement and ensure inclusivity. The final prototype of SHIFT was initially acceptable to key stakeholders and is now under further testing in a pilot randomized trial to assess its feasibility and preliminary efficacy for improving sexual health outcomes in HSCT survivors.