Using consumer-led co-design to test the feasibility and acceptability of a tailored mental health program for people with multiple and smouldering myeloma

Co-designing health interventions with end-users is an increasingly important aspect of health research, improving acceptability, feasibility and ultimately their impact. Here, we report on the co-design of a bespoke mental health program for people living with the incurable blood cancer, multiple myeloma, and precursor form, smouldering myeloma – both of whom face significant psychosocial distress due to disease and treatment-related symptoms and burden. Twenty consumers (38–72 years) with multiple ( n  = 16) and smouldering ( n  = 4) myeloma, as well as Myeloma Australia nurses ( n  = 4), road-tested an existing online mental health program – the Be Well Plan . After program delivery, feedback surveys and semi-structured focus groups were used to help inform future program adaptation. Pre-post assessment of empowerment, mental wellbeing, anxiety and depression were analysed using Multivariate analysis to estimate potential future effectiveness of the program. Satisfaction with and feasibility of the program was encouraging. Univariate ANOVAs indicated significant improvements with large effects in both wellbeing ( η _p ²= .243) and empowerment ( η _p ²= .246), with non-significant results for anxiety and depression, providing necessary insights for subsequent effectiveness studies. Qualitative thematic analysis of post-program feedback revealed several themes including the importance of connecting with other consumers, the need for myeloma-specific adaptation, and delivery, facilitation and clinical implementation considerations. This study provides early evidence of the feasibility and acceptability of a tailored mental health program for people with multiple and smouldering myeloma. These insights will guide the adaptation and future testing of a co-designed program, ensuring it is person-centred and designed for optimal sustainability, implementation and impact.