The Co-Production, Pilot and Qualitative Evaluation of a Cancer Prevention Programme With High-Risk Women Delivered on Group Walks by Cancer Champions: Shoulder to Shoulder, Walk and Talk.

Abstract

Women in the criminal justice system and women who have been subject to domestic abuse are at high risk of cancer but underrepresented in health promotion research. We aimed to co-produce, pilotand evaluate a health promoting programme delivered on group walks. A programme co-produced by women, based on motivational interviewing, created the opportunity for supportive conversations about cancer prevention. Programme development in two workshops with women with lived experience using authentic vignettes to prompt help-seeking conversations. A small pilot and a qualitative evaluation was done using framework analysis. The programme appeared acceptable to women and the walk leaders. Women felt included and found it a safe space for sensitive conversations. They appeared empowered and more confident to seek help. Walk leaders expressed confidence in delivering this informal programme, which used prompts rather than delivering didactic training. Cancer prevention for high-risk groups can be delivered in a personalised and novel way by creating informal opportunities for supportive conversations about cancer prevention. Careful co-production of the programme of walks with women, using scenarios and quotes that were authentic vignettes, ensured that these came directly from the women's lived experience and enabled women to talk about change. Our findings indicate that this approach was practical, relevant and acceptable to them with some evidence of women feeling empowered to make informed decisions about their health. We recommend that future cancer prevention programmes for underrepresented groups take an asset-based approach by utilising pre-existing community organisations to increase reach and sustainability. Women with lived experience co-designed and tested the programme. Provisional findings were fed back to the women and the women's organisation that partnered with this research.