Systematic adaptation of the adherence improving self‐management strategy to support breast cancer survivors' adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy: An intervention mapping approach

OBJECTIVE: Non‐adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) for breast cancer leads to increased recurrence and mortality risk and healthcare costs. Evidence on feasible, effective AET adherence interventions is scarce. This paper describes the systematic adaptation of the cost‐effective adherence improving self‐management strategy (AIMS) for patients with HIV to AET for women after breast cancer treatment. METHODS: We followed the intervention mapping protocol for adapting interventions by conducting a needs assessment, reviewing target behaviours and determinants, reassessing behaviour change methods and adapting programme content. Therefore, we performed a literature review, consulted behavioural theory and organised nine advisory board meetings with patients and healthcare professionals. RESULTS: Non‐adherence occurs frequently among AET users. Compared to HIV treatment, AET is less effective, and AET side effects are more burdensome. This drives AET treatment discontinuation. However, the key determinants of non‐adherence are largely similar to HIV treatment (e.g. motivation, self‐regulation and patient–provider relationship); therefore, most strategies in AIMS‐HIV also seem suitable for AIMS‐AET. Modifications were required, however, regarding supporting patients with coping with side effects and sustaining treatment motivation. CONCLUSION: AIMS seems to be a suitable framework for adherence self‐management across conditions and treatments. Intervention mapping offered a transparent, systematic approach to adapting AIMS‐HIV to AET.