A Qualitative Protocol for Evaluating Online Social Work Interventions for Cancer Survivors Using an AI-Enhanced WeChat Mini-Application

Cancer survivors in China face ongoing physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual challenges that significantly impact their quality of life. Despite the proliferation of online interventions, existing research lacks comprehensive exploration of integrating theoretical knowledge and practical experiences into the design of digital interventions for cancer survivors. To address these multidimensional needs and identified research gaps, this study presents a structured protocol for developing and evaluating an AI-enhanced online social work intervention delivered via a WeChat mini-application. Employing a three-phase, evidence-based qualitative methodological framework, the research begins with a systematic review and meta-analysis to establish comprehensive guidelines for intervention design. This is followed by an iterative multi-stakeholder co-creation process involving survivors, family members, social workers, healthcare professionals, and technology developers to optimize the mini-application. The final phase involves qualitative evaluations of the intervention to assess participant satisfaction, usability, perceived effectiveness, and sustainability of engagement. Findings from this study contribute both practically—by demonstrating how AI technology and stakeholder collaboration can deliver tailored digital interventions—and methodologically, by validating a structured, adaptable framework for designing culturally sensitive and user-centered health interventions.