Remote Patient Monitoring Using Mobile Health Technology in Cancer Care and Research: Patients' Views and...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Digital Health
• Patient Care

Background:

• Growing interest in mobile health (mHealth) technologies like apps and wearables for cancer patient monitoring.
• Limited research on patient perspectives and concerns regarding mHealth adoption in cancer care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient perspectives and preferences for participating in mHealth-based monitoring within cancer care.
• To identify key factors influencing the adoption of digital health tools by cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing semistructured interviews with cancer patients in the Netherlands (April-June 2023).
• Interview guide based on the technology acceptance model, covering use, communication, trust, privacy, and expectations.
• Inclusion criteria: adults (18+) with a current or past cancer diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Thirteen participants with urologic cancer were interviewed; most had prior experience with digital monitoring.
• Barriers included illness reminders and unwanted notifications; patients stressed mHealth is not a doctor substitute.
• Facilitators included potential time-savings, nonburdensome monitoring, reduced communication barriers, and willingness to adopt if personally or societally relevant.

Conclusions:

• Identified critical factors for successful mHealth development in cancer care.
• Patients demonstrated positive attitudes toward remote digital monitoring.
• mHealth shows promising potential for future research and implementation in oncology.