Feasibility and acceptability of ExerciseGuideUK for those living with and beyond lung cancer: a mixed methods study.

Recruitment and retention rates for ExerciseGuideUK were 30.5% and 77%, respectively, indicating moderate feasibility.

• Eighteen participants with a mean age of 65 ± 14.42 years enrolled in the study.
• Participants were recruited from Hull University Teaching Hospital.
• The study duration was eight weeks.
• The overall feasibility was characterized as 'moderate' based on combined quantitative and qualitative findings.

Digital access issues, including limited digital literacy, were a significant barrier to participation, excluding 25.4% of those screened.

• 25.4% of screened individuals were excluded due to digital access issues.
• Notably, some excluded participants owned smartphones, suggesting the barrier was limited digital literacy rather than device ownership alone.
• Barriers to engagement also included treatment side effects, work responsibilities, and low confidence with technology.

Acceptability, usability, and engagement with ExerciseGuideUK were high among those who participated.

• Acceptability was assessed using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability via qualitative interviews.
• Usability was measured using the System Usability Scale and structured questionnaires.
• Valued features included goal-setting tools, breathlessness management strategies, and personalised exercise prescriptions.

This study represents the first known application of the Pillar Integration Process (PIP) in the context of lung cancer, exercise, and digital health.

• The PIP is described as a novel mixed-methods integration approach used to integrate quantitative and qualitative findings.
• The PIP facilitated integration of findings on feasibility, engagement, barriers, and adaptation potential.
• The authors state the PIP 'facilitated a comprehensive understanding of feasibility and acceptability, guiding informed adaptations by users.'
• The authors note the PIP 'warrants further testing and refinement in relation to optimising digital intervention design that promotes equitable, patient-centred care.'

ExerciseGuideUK was developed as a personalised, web-based exercise platform specifically for individuals living with and beyond lung cancer to address unmet needs in this population.

• The platform included personalised exercise prescriptions, goal-setting tools, and breathlessness management strategies.
• The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05121259).
• The platform was evaluated using both quantitative measures (System Usability Scale, structured questionnaires) and qualitative interviews.