Is the 'My Journey' app (and the restricted availability of printed resources) a success or failure?

Another angle on this subject - I have great respect for the work BCNA does and its support resources but the My Journey kit, which I received by mail, didn’t do it for me. It’s an expression I don’t like much (‘journey’), I found the focus too much on treatment and I benefited a great deal by keeping my own journal on my computer, focussing on the things that mattered most to me. I doubt if I was the only one who didn’t use it. Many if not all of those who download the app however may have already scanned the contents online and consider it useful. In the end, it’s the use of the resource not just the distribution that is most helpful. Just a thought. 

@Afraser I agree about the 'J' word - it's an overused cliche and should be banned!  I understand your POV on the content whereas I raised an issue regarding distribution.

BCNA switched to digital distribution a couple of years ago.  Digital would be lower cost and offers the flexibility of tailored information and updates but may not be as user-friendly as printed materials. 

'My Journey', in printed or digital format, is available only upon request.  It appears there is a much lower take-up rate of the digital version than the printed resources of the past.
 
As BC affects predominantly older women, this may reflect a generational preference for printed vs digital resources, a preference to have a hard copy on hand for easy reference, and/or the effects of vision changes as one ages which may present a challenge when viewing intensive materials on a screen. 

Additionally, access to a computer, a smartphone or the internet is not universal whereas most people have a postal address.

I facilitate a bc support group and we all find the online My Journey tool too difficult to use.I’ve rung BCNA several times to have a printed copy sent to me for a reference book for my group but nothing happens.Many older ladies,non English speaking ladies and financially disadvantaged ladies cannot access this online tool.A printed booklet is much easier to earmark pages that you want to return to and handy to have with you at medical venues where you have to turn your phone off.So yes,not a fan!

I have posted the link to this in the TNBC facebook group so that newbies whom have used this resource since it went digital  have an opportunity to come forward and reply. 

Interesting discussion (and yes - ditch the title as far as I'm concerned)... I guess it depends on what you're looking for.  When I was diagnosed, I hid out in my bedroom with the book and dipped into it over the course of a couple of days.  I wouldn't have done that with the online version.  The book gave me a place to start from and a focus.  I have not really looked at it since but, saying that, I have not really looked at the online version either.

I  downloaded the app initially but don’t find it all that user friendly so rang to order the book which I’m looking at it again tonight as I have a Telehealth call with my oncologist tomorrow and have no idea what that entails. So just looking for some idea of what to expect. I’ve read a lot in the book.

Interesting discussion. Given a choice a booklet would be my choice. 
I too would prefer to earmark a book and use a highlighter pen. 
I haven't found the online version easy to access and refer to.
Although very unfortunately some younger women suffer BC, as NoShrinkingViolet said BC is predominantly older women.
Many of us were only introduced to computers later in life.

@Giovanna_BCNA @Riki_BCNA @Kirsten_BCNA Can you provide insight to the take-up of digital vs print materials since the launch of the 'My Journey' app, user feedback/research on preference for digital vs print, and user-friendliness of digital vs print?  I understand results may be segmented by age, language or ethnic background, household income and other socioeconomic factors.

Hello @NoShrinkingViolet thanks for your question regarding take up of digital vs print materials since the launch of the My Journey online tool @Kirsten_BCNA will respond shortly.

I think there is a common misconception that  the boomer generation is not digitally literate or engaged. Hello? We invented this stuff.  I've had a look at the online version and it is clunky. And probably not something that I would embrace if I was newly diagnosed at this point.
Distribution does not equal engagement. The amount of printed pamphlets, booklets and newsletters that I've binned after only the most cursory view makes me suffer dead tree guilt. Let alone the environmental costs of the ink.
We will never reach consensus on what to call these things. Some of the old timers will remember the epic stoush over the proposal to rename 'The Beacon'. By the way, do read that; it is worth the time but I'm glad they stopped posting it to me.
The whole   'journey'  thing gives me the wet heaves, but it is the language people use. Until they get sucked into the vortex. Once folk are far enough in to get shitty about how other people describe their experience, they are either well enough to  be contrary or need something tangible to get pissed off at that doesn't take too much energy.
I would hope that the my journey kit becomes something more tailored to true minorities. Available in many languages. Which probably means digital. Mxx