scholarly journals Mobile applications for breast cancer survivorship and self-management: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 2892-2905
Author(s):  
Akshat Kapoor ◽  
Priya Nambisan ◽  
Elizabeth Baker
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Daily Lives

The use of mobile technology and mobile apps has become pervasive in our daily lives for completing a variety of daily tasks. Mobile health (mHealth) apps can provide an accessible platform for self-management among breast cancer (BC) survivors, as they recover from not just the intensive cancer treatments, but also their associated side-effects. They also offer a means to learn about survivorship topics and connect with peer survivors online, irrespective of their geographical location. This study is an attempt to assess the availability and characterize the self-management features of free mobile apps for breast cancer survivors on the Google Play (Android) and Apple App Store (iOS). Out of 249 such apps for the Android, only eight satisfied initial criteria, while only one of 174 iOS apps that met inclusion criteria was included for further analysis. A content analysis of the nine apps that met inclusion criteria was conducted to assess the inclusion of the following mHealth self-management features derived from the Chronic Care Model: symptom tracking; survivorship education; information-sharing with family and/or caregivers; scheduling follow-up visits; personal alerts and reminders; and social networking. Survivorship education was found to be the most common self-management feature among the apps reviewed, followed by social networking. The results of this study highlight the dearth of available mHealth resources for BC survivors. Future efforts in app development should involve survivors and healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive resources that address their unmet needs are made more accessible.

scholarly journals Healthcare Provider Perspectives on Adherence to Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy after Breast Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 1472-1482
Author(s):  
Leah K. Lambert ◽  
Lynda G. Balneaves ◽  
A. Fuchsia Howard ◽  
Stephen L. K. Chia ◽  
Carolyn C. Gotay
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Endocrine Therapy ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Current System ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Provider Perspectives

Adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) for breast cancer is suboptimal. The purpose of this study was to: (1) explore the experiences and perspectives of healthcare providers (HCPs) in providing care to breast cancer survivors prescribed AET, (2) identify how social and structural factors influence the provision of AET-related care, and (3) ascertain HCP recommendations for optimizing AET adherence and related care. Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 HCPs using an interpretive descriptive approach to inquiry and the theoretical lens of relational autonomy. Data was analyzed using thematic and constant comparative techniques. Healthcare providers focused on four main components of AET-related care: (1) the importance of having careful conversations about AET, (2) difficulties in navigating transitions in care, (3) symptom management as a big part of their role, and (4) dealing with AET discontinuation. Recommendations to improve AET adherence focused on developing sustainable and efficient models of delivering high-quality care to women on AET. Healthcare providers play a pivotal role educating women about AET and supporting their adherence to therapy. Sustainable healthcare system innovations and new models of care that address current system gaps are needed to enhance survivorship care, AET adherence, and ultimately, reduce cancer recurrence and mortality.

Mobile Health Applications to Support COVID-19 Self-management: Review and Evaluation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahar Khenarinezhad ◽  
Ehsan Ghazanfari Savadkoohi ◽  
Leila Shahmoradi
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Health ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Complete Information ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Management Measures ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
Mobile Health Applications ◽  
Health Applications

Aim: During the epidemic and with an increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) disease prevalence, emergency care is essential to help people stay informed and undertake self-management measures to protect their health. One of these self-management procedures is the use of mobile apps in health. Mobile health (mHealth) applications include mobile devices in collecting clinical health data, sharing healthcare information for practitioners and patients, real-time monitoring of patient vital signs, and the direct provision of care (via mobile telemedicine). Mobile apps are increasing to improve health, but before healthcare providers can recommend these applications to patients, they need to be sure the apps will help change patients' lifestyles. Method: A search was conducted systematically using the keywords "Covid-19," "Coronavirus," "Covid-19, and Self-management" at the "Apple App Store". Then we evaluated the apps according to MARS criteria in May 2020. Results: A total of 145 apps for COVID-19 self-management were identified, but only 32 apps met our inclusion criteria after being assessed. The overall mean MARS score was 2.9 out of 5, and more than half of the apps had a minimum acceptability score (range 2.5-3.9). The "who academy" app received the highest functionality score. Who Academy, Corona-Care and First Responder COVID-19 Guide had the highest scores for behavior change. Conclusion: Our findings showed that few apps meet the quality, content, and functionality criteria for Covid-19 self-management. Therefore, developers should use evidence-based medical guidelines in creating mobile health applications so that, they can provide comprehensive and complete information to both patients and healthcare provider.

Young, Empowered and Strong: A Web-Based Education and Supportive Care Intervention for Young Women With Breast Cancer Across the Care Continuum

2021 ◽  
pp. 933-943
Author(s):  
Tal Sella ◽  
Craig Snow ◽  
Hannah Freeman ◽  
Philip D. Poorvu ◽  
Shoshana M. Rosenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Patient Reported

PURPOSE Patient-centered digital interventions may help empower young women to self-manage symptoms and psychosocial concerns and support informational needs often unaddressed in clinic. METHODS Young, Empowered and Strong (YES) is an interactive web-based intervention designed to engage young women with personalized education and symptom self-management resources on the basis of responses to patient-reported outcome–based questionnaires. We piloted YES among young women (< 45 years) with newly diagnosed early breast cancer (EBC) or metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and breast cancer survivors (BCSs). Assessments were deployed weekly (EBC and MBC) or every 4 weeks (BCSs) over 12 weeks. At study completion, use, feasibility, and acceptability of YES were evaluated via a survey and semistructured interview. RESULTS Thirty women were enrolled between April and June 2019: 10 EBC, 10 BCSs, and 10 MBC. The mean age at diagnosis and enrollment was 36 (range 25-44) and 39 (range 31-44) years, respectively. Most participants were actively treated (96%, 27 of 28) with endocrine therapy (54%, 15 of 28) or chemotherapy (43%, 12 of 28). Overall, 61% (180 of 296) of assessments were completed (EBC: 70%, BCSs: 63%, and MBC: 52%). Of 37 patient-reported outcome and need domains, the most frequently triggered were sexual health (EBC: 90%, BCSs: 90%, and MBC: 90%), anxiety (EBC: 80%, BCSs: 90%, and MBC: 90%), stress and mindfulness (EBC: 80%, BCSs: 90%, and MBC: 90%), and fatigue (EBC: 90%, BCSs: 80%, and MBC: 90%). On postpilot survey, participants reported that YES helped them to learn (50%, 7 of 14), monitor (43%, 6 of 14), and manage (57%, 8 of 14) their symptoms. CONCLUSION YES is a feasible and acceptable digital intervention to support young women across the breast cancer care continuum. The nearly universal triggering of sexual and mental health needs suggests suboptimal management in the clinical setting and the potential for self-management through a digital platform.

scholarly journals Article Commentary: A Research Agenda for Appearance Changes Due to Breast Cancer Treatment

2008 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. BCBCR.S784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mugdha Dabeer ◽  
Michelle Cororve Fingeret ◽  
Fatima Merchant ◽  
Gregory P. Reece ◽  
Elisabeth K. Beahm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Breast Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Detection Techniques ◽  
The Us ◽  
Women’S Perceptions

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in the US. It is estimated that more than 180,000 American women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2008. Fortunately, the survival rate is relatively high and continually increasing due to improved detection techniques and treatment methods. However, maintaining quality of life is a factor often under emphasized for breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer treatments are invasive and can lead to deformation of the breast. Breast reconstruction is important for restoring the survivor's appearance. However, more work is needed to develop technologies for quantifying surgical outcomes and understanding women's perceptions of changes in their appearance. A method for objectively measuring breast anatomy is needed in order to help both the breast cancer survivors and their surgeons take expected changes to the survivor's appearance into account when considering various treatment options. In the future, augmented reality tools could help surgeons reconstruct a survivor's breasts to match her preferences as much as possible.

Adapting a peer-led self-management program for breast cancer survivors in Switzerland using a co-creative approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (9) ◽  
pp. 1780-1789
Author(s):  
Franziska Schmidt ◽  
Karin Ribi ◽  
Joerg Haslbeck ◽  
Corinne Urech ◽  
Karin Holm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Self Management

Associations between morning–evening chronotype, fatigue, and QOL in breast cancer survivors.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 246-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oxana Palesh ◽  
M. Melissa Packer ◽  
Holly George ◽  
Cheryl Koopman ◽  
Pasquale F. Innominato
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Bright Light ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Morning Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Range Of Values

246 Background: Emerging evidence suggests that circadian disruption is associated with cancer and cancer treatments. Chronotype is defined as a behaviorally manifested preference for a certain timing of sleep and activity. Previous studies have revealed that living out of sync from one’s innate chronotype can have detrimental effects on one’s health. Although there has been research examining the associations between chronotype and health, not much is known about the relationship between chronotype, fatigue, and QOL in cancer survivors. Methods: 68 Breast cancer survivors completed questionnaires to assess their chronotype (Horne-Ostberg), to rate their fatigue (MDASI), and to evaluate their QOL (FACIT). The Horne-Ostberg questionnaire yields a range of values indicating survivors’ preference for early or late activity. The study sample was divided by terciles according to survivors’ “morningness” or “eveningness” preferences (i.e., chronotypes). Results: Morning chronotype was associated with significantly less severe tiredness and drowsiness as well as significantly better physical well-being and fatigue subscale scores as compared to evening chronotype. Tiredness median (M) scores were highest for evening chronotype (M=5.5), moderate for mid-range chronotype (M=4.5), and lowest for morning chronotype (M=3.0), a significant difference (p=0.046). Drowsiness scores were highest for evening chronotype (median=6.0), moderate for mid-range chronotype (M=4.0), and lowest for morning chronotype (M=3.0), p=0.046. The median score for physical well-being was significantly lower for evening compared to morning chronotypes (22.5 vs. 25.0, p=0.038) and morning types reported significantly better health in respect to fatigue compared to evening types (40.5 vs. 35.5, p=0.045). Conclusions: Survivors with early chronotype (early to bed, early to rise) reported less fatigue, drowsiness, and better overall physical well-being. While chronotype is believed to be genetically driven, certain behavioral, pharmacological, and bright light modifications can be used to help patients shift their circadian rhythm towards earlier morning type and may experience improvements in physical well-being.

scholarly journals Breast Cancer Survivors’ Preferences and Barriers Related to ICT-Based Diet and Physical Activity Interventions

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 967-967
Author(s):  
X Chen ◽  
C Chiu ◽  
HT Cheung ◽  
ME White ◽  
X Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Lifestyle Interventions

Abstract Objectives To establish the preferences and perceived barriers related to physical activity and diet programming of breast cancer survivors (BCS) to inform the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based lifestyle interventions. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 197 BSC aged 18 years or older and diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or Stage I-IV breast cancer. The BCS were recruited during routine oncology appointments at a Midwestern cancer center. A survey was conducted to query survivors’ level of interest in, preferences for, and perceived barriers to participating in an exercise and dietary intervention program, with a specific emphasis on ICT-based programming. Results Overall, 85% of BCS reported they would consider participating in exercise and diet intervention research. Approximately 45% of participants reported that they had received diet and/or exercise information as part of their cancer care. However, only 15% of the participants received such information from healthcare professionals with the appropriate expertise (e.g., Dietitian, Exercise Specialist). Over two-thirds of the participants reported frequent use of mobile devices and the internet, and 80% indicated comfort using these devices (e.g., tablet, smart phone). The top three preferred formats for an ICT-based diet and exercise intervention program were “website”, “mobile apps” and “e-mails”. Older participants (&gt;60 years) were more likely to report a preference for e-mails while younger participants (&lt;60 years) were more likely to report a preference for websites or mobile apps. The most common perceived barriers to participation in a lifestyle intervention included fatigue, family responsibility and work. Conclusions Most BCS in this study were interested in exercise and diet interventions and would be comfortable with an ICT-based format with a preference for delivery via websites, mobile apps or e-mails. Future ICT-based lifestyle interventions should be designed with consideration of BCS’ age, barriers, facilitators and other characteristics. Funding Sources USDA-NIFA Hatch Project 1,011,487

scholarly journals Exploring Interactive Survivorship Care Plans to Support Breast Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/23414 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e23414
Author(s):  
Akshat Kapoor ◽  
Priya Nambisan
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Survivorship Care Plans ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivorship ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
The Impact

Background Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among American women, accounting for 23% of all cancer survivors nationally. Yet, the availability of adequate resources and tools for supporting breast cancer survivors has not kept up with the rapid advancement in treatment options, resulting in unmet supportive care needs, particularly among low-income and minority populations. This study explores an alternative means of delivering breast cancer survivorship care plans (SCPs), with the aim of improving survivor morbidity, patient knowledge, and self-management of treatment-related symptoms, as well as addressing inconsistencies in follow-up care visits. Objective The overall goal of this study is to improve the uptake of SCP recommendations via an educational intervention for breast cancer survivors, to improve treatment-related morbidity, patient knowledge, self-management, and adherence to follow-up visits. The specific aims of the study are to (1) evaluate the feasibility of the online SCP, and (2) assess the impact of the online SCP on survivorship outcomes. Methods We will enroll 50 breast cancer survivors who have completed initial breast cancer treatment into a 2-armed, randomized, waitlist-controlled pilot trial, and collect data at baseline and 6 months. For the first aim, we will use mixed methods, including surveys and personal interviews among the intervention group, to determine the feasibility of providing an online, interactive SCP (called ACESO) based on the survivors’ online user experience and their short-term adoption. For the secondary aim, we will compare the 2 groups to assess the primary outcomes of survivor knowledge, self-efficacy for self-management, perceived peer support, and adherence to SCP-recommended posttreatment follow-up visits to oncology and primary care; and the secondary outcomes of treatment-related morbidity (body weight, fatigue, depression, anxiety, sexual function, distress, and sleep quality). We assess these outcomes by using measurements from validated instruments with robust psychometric properties. Results We have developed and refined the online breast cancer survivorship plan, ACESO, with consultation from breast cancer oncologists, nurses, and survivors. Approval for the study protocol has been obtained from the Institutional Review Board. An advisory board has also been established to provide oversight and recommendations on the conduct of the study. The study will be completed over a period of 2 years. Conclusions The results of this pilot study will inform the feasibility and design of a larger-scale pragmatic trial to evaluate the impact of an online breast cancer SCP on treatment-related morbidity and self-efficacy for self-management. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/23414

scholarly journals Breast cancer application protocol: a randomised controlled trial to evaluate a self-management app for breast cancer survivors

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e034655
Author(s):  
Andy S K Cheng ◽  
Xiangyu Liu ◽  
Peter H F Ng ◽  
Cindy T T Kwok ◽  
Yingchun Zeng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Readiness For Change ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionThe eHealth technologies that are being designed for chronic disease constitute a global trend towards health assessment and self-management. However, most of these approaches tend to focus on a single symptom or problem rather than on the multiple problems that are characteristic of many of these chronic illnesses. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of and adherence to a self-management application (app) that identifies multiple problem areas related to surviving breast cancer as the targeted chronic illness.Methods and analysisThis is a randomised controlled study. Eligible participants will be allocated randomly into either an intervention group or a control group at a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group will be assigned to the self-management app (‘Be-with-You’), while the control group will use a general health app (‘Sham’ app). The primary outcomes will include the differences between the two groups in their health literacy, problem-solving skills and self-management skills. The secondary outcomes will include group differences in self-efficacy, readiness for change and health-related quality of life. All of these outcomes will be measured at baseline and at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after intervention. In addition, usability of these two mobile apps will be measured at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after intervention. The planned sample size is 476.Ethics and disseminationThe Human Subjects Ethics Sub-committee of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University approved the study (HSEARS20190922001, 24 September 2019). Dissemination of findings will occur at the local, national and international levels.Trial registration numberChiCTR1900026244.

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