Web-Based Skin Cancer Prevention Training for Massage Therapists: Protocol for the Massage Therapists Skin Health Awareness, Referral, and Education Study

Lois J Loescher,Kelly M Heslin,Graciela E Silva,Laura A Szalacha,Myra L Muramoto

doi:10.2196/13480

Lois J Loescher, Kelly M Heslin + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2196/13480

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Abstract

BackgroundSkin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States, is costly and potentially deadly. Its burden can be reduced by early detection and prevention activities. The scope of skin cancer requires going beyond traditional health care providers to promote risk reduction. Partnering with the nonbiomedical workforce, such as massage therapists (MTs), may reach more individuals at risk. MTs see much of their clients’ skin and are amenable to performing skin cancer risk reduction activities during massage appointments.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to describe the Massage Therapists Skin Health Awareness, Referral, and Education protocol, presenting an overview of our systematic approach to developing rigorous e-training for MTs to enable them to be partners in skin cancer risk reduction. We also describe procedures for usability and feasibility testing of the training.MethodsWe developed an integrated electronic learning system that includes electronic training (e-training) technology, simulated client interactions, online data collection instruments, and in-person assessment of MTs’ application of their training.ResultsA total of 20 participants nationally scored the e-training as high for usability and satisfaction. We have screened an additional 77 MTs in Arizona for interest and eligibility, and currently have 37 enrolled participants, of whom 32 have completed the Web-based training.ConclusionsThe structured and rigorous development approach for this skin cancer risk reduction and brief behavioral intervention e-training for MTs begins to fill a gap in skin cancer risk reduction research. Iterative usability testing of our asynchronous Web-based training resulted in positive participant response. Our e-training approach offers greater learner accessibility, increased convenience, and greater scalability than the few existing programs and has the potential to reach many MTs nationally.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/13480

Highlights

BackgroundSkin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States, constitutes a serious public health burden [1,2,3,4]
We developed a 5-item client survey to be advertised in participating massage therapist MTsSHARE (MT) offices and lobbies, inviting all clients of participating MTs to anonymously share whether their MT engaged in skin cancer risk reduction conversations during their massage visit
We will evaluate separate models including the scores for each timepoint to determine the areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for image assessments

Summary

Introduction

BackgroundSkin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States, constitutes a serious public health burden [1,2,3,4]. Decreasing the burden of skin cancer depends on concerted and innovative public health efforts that extend beyond the conventional biomedical practitioners to complementary and integrative health care practitioners. These efforts involve other community-wide sectors and could incorporate electronic learning (e-learning) technology to allow widespread and easy dissemination of knowledge. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the Massage Therapists Skin Health Awareness, Referral, and Education protocol, presenting an overview of our systematic approach to developing rigorous e-training for MTs to enable them to be partners in skin cancer risk reduction.

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