Mobile App for Gynecologic Cancer Support for Patients With Gynecologic Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy in China:...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Digital Health
• Supportive Care

Background:

• Patients with gynecologic cancer undergoing chemotherapy often experience unmet supportive care needs.
• Mobile health (mHealth) offers a potential solution to improve access to supportive care.
• Existing app-based support programs for gynecologic cancer lack sufficient efficacy testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile app for gynecologic cancer support (MGCS) in patients receiving chemotherapy in China.
• To assess the impact of the MGCS program on uncertainty in illness, quality of life, symptom distress, and social support.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter randomized controlled trial involving 168 Chinese patients with gynecologic cancer.
• Participants were randomized to receive either routine care or routine care plus the MGCS program for 24 weeks.
• The MGCS program, guided by Mishel's uncertainty in illness theory, included weekly topics, emotional care, a discussion center, and health consultations.

Main Results:

• After 24 weeks, the MGCS intervention group showed significantly reduced uncertainty in illness (P<.001) and improved quality of life (P=.04) compared to the control group.
• No significant differences in health outcomes were observed at the 12-week follow-up.
• The study achieved an 81% response rate with 136 patients completing follow-up assessments.

Conclusions:

• The mobile app for gynecologic cancer support (MGCS) proved effective for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• This app-based intervention can be successfully integrated into standard cancer care protocols.
• Increased investment in mobile health for clinical settings is recommended to enhance patient support.