Table 2 Illustrative quotes relating to participants’ experience of the app referral service (n = 10)
What did you like about the referral service? |
 Apps recommendations were tailored |
  There’s so many apps out there, it’s really good for someone else to just sift through and target them |
  Consideration into choosing one for me |
  Personalised |
 App simple and easy to use |
  Easy |
  The app was simple and easy to use, especially for those who aren’t good at technology. |
  Able to check on steps easily. Easy to read without glasses. Not using my data – big plus |
  Found it easy to interpret exercise form app diagram |
  Simplicity |
 Motivational |
  Motivational |
  Overcome my barrier about starting daily skipping |
  Initial interviews provided start up motivation. Subsequent interview were good re-enforcement |
  Got me back on my bicycle |
  Motivated me to find app suitable to my exercise goals |
  Constructive |
 Friendly and Accessible |
  Friendly service and advice |
  Personable |
  Enthusiastic |
  Easy access and communication |
  I could connect to my T.V |
  Liked the app exercises |
 Educational |
  Good information |
  Well-presented and explained |
What could be improved? |
 Range and capabilities of apps |
  Expand the range of apps |
  Frustrated with only small selection of activities provided. No weights provided on app |
  App developed specifically for cancer survivors |
 More information |
  Better explanation on use of apps, if person is not used to using apps. |
  Some more information about how this service can assist + support. Brochures of explanation |
What do you recommend? |
 Facilitate communication with professionals and peers |
  Communicate with exercise physiologists/physio about individual risk factors patients may not understand |
  Examine non-technical, social basis approach which complement the app approach |
  Connect people that are participating in an online chat/Facebook group etc. |
  App referral service will be helpful for cancer survivors if in cooperation with guided personalised training |
 Longer follow-up |
  2–4 week use & follow up |
  Have the study be of longer duration |
  Two weeks would have been better to make it more habitual. Include a follow-up session after 3 months to see if people are maintaining their goals |
 Targeted/tailored app specific to cancer survivors |
  App developed specifically for cancer survivors |
  Closely monitored and tailored exercise programmes for cancer ‘rehab’ would be useful – taking into account levels of fatigue, lymphedema, peripheral neuropathy, etc |
 Transfer service to online platform |
  Conduct interviews via skype or as an online form to fill out and submit |