REACH project
About this page:
This page is for researchers and health care professionals that want to know more about the REACH project.
Aim
The REACH project is funded through the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Programme scholarship from Research Ireland. It aims to develop a community-based support service that helps people living with and beyond cancer to be active at their own pace. To support long-term adoption of physical activity, the resources provided through the service are informed by behaviour change theory. As enjoyment is essential for sustaining activity over time, the service prioritises people’s preferences by offering resources for both individual and group training, as well as indoor and outdoor exercise options.
Methods
To develop a suite of evidence-based, theory-driven resources, an environmental scan was conducted, reviewing both scientific studies and online resources or programmes for people living with and beyond cancer.
Currently, an online survey is being shared with people living in the Republic of Ireland to measure how many are engaging in physical activity and to understand their preferences and needs. This aligns with the REACH project’s person-centred, context-specific approach.
Focus groups will explore what types of support individuals need and what support can be practically provided by community-based providers. This will help identify the most urgent needs and find practical solutions.
The service will then be tested for feasibility and usability in a brief pilot study before being rolled out nationwide. The implementation study will evaluate not only the effectiveness of the resources in increasing physical activity at the individual level, but also the relative effectiveness of different resource formats.
Impact
The service will be designed to be scalable nationwide, ensuring that education and support are easily accessible to anyone diagnosed with cancer across the Republic of Ireland.
This will ensure REACHing people where they are, at any stage of their journey, anywhere in the country.