To Improve Supportive Care for Patients Taking Oral Anticancer Agents

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Digital Health
• Patient Support

Background:

• Oral anticancer agents (OAA) offer convenience but pose self-management challenges for patients and caregivers.
• Complex OAA regimens and severe toxicities require robust supportive care strategies.
• Effective communication and self-management are critical for successful OAA treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the supportive care needs of patients and caregivers undergoing oral anticancer agent therapy.
• To analyze online patient communities for insights into OAA self-management.
• To identify potential mHealth interventions for enhancing OAA supportive care and communication.

Main Methods:

• Grounded theory approach applied to analyze online discussions related to oral anticancer agents.
• Utilized the chronic care model (CCM) as a guiding framework.
• Investigated potential mobile health (mHealth) interventions.

Main Results:

• Online communities serve as vital platforms for patients and caregivers to share experiences and concerns.
• Peer support, emotional and informational exchange, resource identification, and peer coaching are key benefits.
• Patients and caregivers actively seek and provide mutual support within these digital spaces.

Conclusions:

• Findings underscore the significant need for enhanced supportive care and self-management tools for oral anticancer agent patients.
• mHealth interventions can be developed to address identified needs, improving peer and patient-provider communication.
• Leveraging online communities and mHealth can optimize supportive care for oral anticancer agent therapy.