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Prescribing an App? Oncology Providers' Views on Mobile Health Apps for Cancer Care
Callie M Berkowitz1, Leah L Zullig1, Bridget F Koontz1
1Callie M. Berkowitz, Leah L. Zullig, and Sophia K. Smith, Duke University; Leah L. Zullig, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System; and Bridget F. Koontz and Sophia K. Smith, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC.
Introduction:
Although there are over 500 mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) available for download in the field of oncology, little research has addressed their acceptability among health care providers. In addition, the providers' perspectives regarding patient app use has been largely unexamined. We conducted a qualitative study to explore opportunities and barriers for mHealth app use for oncology care.
Methods:
We developed a structured interview guide focusing on acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and sustainability of the use of apps in cancer care. We interviewed 15 oncology providers about their attitudes and preferences. De-identified audio recordings were transcribed and coded for emerging themes.
Results:
Providers interviewed included physicians (n = 8) and advanced practice (n = 3) and supportive services (n = 4) providers who care for a wide range of cancer types; ages ranged from 32 to 68 years. Interviews lasted approximately 30 minutes. Oncology providers reported limited exposure to mHealth apps in patient care, but were generally open to recommending or prescribing apps in the future. Key themes included opportunities for mobile app use (including general health promotion, tracking symptoms, and engaging patients) and barriers to implementation (including access to technology, responsibility, workflow, and the source of the app itself).
Conclusion:
Our results show openness among oncology providers to using mHealth technology as part of patient care, but concerns regarding implementation. Designing acceptable apps may be challenging and require involvement of key stakeholders, partnering with trustworthy institutions, and outcome-based research.
Insights
Oncology providers are open to mobile health (mHealth) apps for patient care, but implementation barriers exist. Future app design should involve stakeholders and focus on trustworthy sources and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Digital Health
- Healthcare Technology
Background:
- Over 500 mobile health (mHealth) applications exist for oncology.
- Limited research addresses healthcare provider acceptability of mHealth apps in cancer care.
- Patient perspectives on mHealth app use remain largely unexamined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore opportunities and barriers for mHealth app use in oncology care.
- To understand oncology providers' perspectives on mHealth app acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and sustainability.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing a structured interview guide.
- Interviewed 15 oncology providers (physicians, advanced practice, supportive services).
- Transcribed and coded audio recordings for emerging themes.
Main Results:
- Oncology providers reported limited current exposure to mHealth apps.
- Providers are generally open to recommending or prescribing apps in the future.
- Key themes identified include opportunities (health promotion, symptom tracking, patient engagement) and barriers (technology access, responsibility, workflow, app source).
Conclusions:
- Oncology providers show openness to mHealth technology in patient care.
- Significant concerns regarding implementation exist.
- Designing acceptable mHealth apps requires stakeholder involvement, trustworthy partnerships, and outcome-based research.
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