Mobile Health App for Prostate Cancer Patients on Androgen Deprivation Therapy: Qualitative Usability Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Digital Health
• Patient Care

Background:

• Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer is linked to metabolic side effects.
• Mobile health (mHealth) apps offer potential for home-based management of activity and nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the usability and patient experience of a new mHealth app for prostate cancer patients undergoing ADT.
• Assess physicians' perceptions of the app's potential benefits.

Main Methods:

• A 2-month study (March-May 2019) involved 5 prostate cancer patients initiating ADT and 5 specialist physicians.
• Usability testing included app registration, data input (physical activity, meals), and navigation.
• Qualitative data were collected via focus groups and interviews, analyzed using iterative content analysis.

Main Results:

• Patients appreciated the app's holistic care approach and found it useful for tracking diet and exercise.
• Sixty percent of patients experienced registration difficulties, but all could navigate and input data.
• Physicians expressed concerns about older patients' technology adoption and usability.

Conclusions:

• Patients reported a positive experience with the mHealth app for self-monitoring health behaviors.
• App usability, ease of registration, and intuitive design are crucial for adoption.
• Physicians acknowledged the app's ease of use but highlighted potential barriers for older demographics.