AYA CONNECT
A nationally implemented solution connecting young people with cancer, backed by clinical evidence demonstrating improved quality of life
AYA Connect (UngeKræfter) has become the standard of care in Denmark for young people battling cancer, with a curated community of peers, relevant knowledge, and tracking functionality, informing patients and their healthcare team
The challenge
A cancer diagnosis during young adulthood and adolescence is life-changing and challenging to navigate. Many young people with cancer experience isolation, uncertainty, and a lack of connection with peers who truly understand their situation. While healthcare professionals provide essential medical care, addressing the social and emotional challenges can be more difficult. Peer support has proven highly valuable, yet finding others with similar experiences has traditionally been challenging.
The innovation
AYA Connect (UngeKræfter) is a digital support platform co-created with young people throughout their cancer trajectory, healthcare professionals, and researchers. The platform combines a moderated peer community, evidence-based information, symptom and activity tracking, and mindfulness-based support in one accessible space. By helping users connect with others in similar situations, gain relevant knowledge, and better understand their everyday experiences, AYA Connect empowers young people to navigate life during and after cancer while supporting more informed dialogue with their healthcare team.
AYA Connect - an entire community of young people with cancer
“AYA Connect allows me to spend time with people who have the same thoughts and have been through the same experiences. It’s a place where I can relax and be myself.”
— AYA CONNECT CO-CREATOR
The outcome
“The solution has been a crucial tool in empowering patients to manage their disease, and through our clinical research we have been able to document the positive impact on patient’s quality of life.”
— HELLE PAPPOT, PROFESSOR IN ONCOLOGY, RIGSHOSPITALET
The solution is now implemented in all hospitals treating young people with cancer in Denmark, being the first digital health initiative to be implemented nationally. This was achieved after demonstrating positive outcomes in 10 scientific publications, where it has been concluded that the solutions improve the quality of life of patients and reduce clinicians’ time. The solution is used by a significant proportion of the patient segment. The next steps in scaling to international markets have been started.
10
700+
SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS
➚
PATIENTS SERVED
SCALING TO NEW MARKETS
-
The impact of AYA Connect (UngeKræfter) has been investigated in clinical practice, resulting in 10 scientific publications. These studies provide important evidence of its positive impact on quality of life. Below are two of these publications.
-
In Danish oncology departments, nurses play a crucial role in reaching young cancer patients, encouraging them to benefit from the app. When a trusted healthcare professional recommends the app, many young patients with cancer start using it. Within the first 2 months of the national implementation, 285 patients have embarked on their journey with AYA Connect, accounting for 20% of all patients in the segment.
-
Following our nationwide implementation in Denmark, we are now eager to expand into international markets. If you are involved in a patient organization, conducting research among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer, or working in pharma, you might be the enabling partner we need. Together, we can bring this valuable tool to more young people battling cancer.