Remote Monitoring of Colorectal Cancer Survivors Using a Smartphone App and Internet of Things-Based Device:...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Digital Health
• Oncology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer surgery patients face significant postoperative challenges including relapse risk, side effects, and long-term complications.
• Effective post-discharge care is crucial for managing these patients' recovery and improving outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop a technological solution for remote monitoring of colorectal cancer patients after discharge.
• To create a system that addresses the complexities of post-operative care through technological integration.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review for feature extraction, followed by definition of features by 18 clinical experts in Iran.
• Design of a system architecture incorporating software (ASP.Net, SQL Server, Ionic/Angular Android app) and hardware (IoT module, temperature, and heartbeat sensors in a wristband).
• Usability evaluation using Nielsen's principles and demonstration via a virtual meeting.

Main Results:

• Defined 21 mandatory features across patient registration, health monitoring, education, reminders, and assessments.
• Developed a functional Android application and a 3D-printed wristband device with sensors (temperature, heartbeat) and over-the-air firmware updates.
• Achieved an average usability score of 3.8/5 from 4 evaluators for the software system.

Conclusions:

• Sensor-based telemonitoring systems offer a viable, automated solution for post-surgery colorectal cancer patient care.
• Developed remote monitoring apps show potential utility, but further research on clinical implementation is needed to identify barriers.