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mHealth for Medication and Side Effect Monitoring: Patients' Attitudes Toward Smart Devices for Managing Oral
Anna N Baglione1, Sarah Tolman1, Chloe Dapaah1
1University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
Abstract:
In recent years, new treatments have become available which have improved survival rates in lung cancer patients. One promising treatment option is the rapidly growing field of oral targeted therapies, which employs drugs that interfere with specific molecules involved in the growth, progression, and spread of cancer. However, these therapies can cause a variety of symptoms and adverse events that can impair quality of life. mHealth technologies may help individuals with lung cancer better track their side effects and manage medications on a day-to-day basis. However, understanding patients' attitudes toward smart devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, and smart pill bottles, as well as their specific needs when using these devices, is critical before design and deployment studies of medication adherence can be carried out. In this study, we conducted interviews with 9 individuals with stage III-IV lung cancer at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States to assess the feasibility of using such devices for managing medication and medication related side-effects. We evaluated patients' attitudes towards the design and function of smart devices and how these devices fit into their daily life. Our results may help clinicians and researchers to co-develop effective mHealth system deployments for side effect and medication management in oncology populations.
Insights
Understanding patient needs is key for developing smart devices to manage side effects and medications for lung cancer patients undergoing oral targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Digital Health
- Patient-Reported Outcomes
Background:
- Oral targeted therapies have improved lung cancer survival but can cause side effects impacting quality of life.
- Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer potential for managing side effects and medications in lung cancer patients.
- Patient attitudes and needs regarding smart devices are crucial for successful mHealth deployment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of using smart devices for medication and side effect management in lung cancer patients.
- To evaluate patient attitudes towards smart device design, function, and daily life integration.
- To inform the co-development of effective mHealth systems for oncology populations.
Main Methods:
- Conducted interviews with 9 individuals diagnosed with stage III-IV lung cancer.
- Assessed patient attitudes toward smart devices (smartphones, smartwatches, smart pill bottles).
- Evaluated the integration of smart devices into patients' daily lives for medication management.
Main Results:
- Gained insights into patient perspectives on using smart devices for cancer treatment management.
- Identified specific patient needs and preferences for smart device features and usability.
- Highlighted the importance of patient-centered design in developing mHealth solutions for oncology.
Conclusions:
- Patient input is essential for designing effective mHealth tools for lung cancer patients.
- Smart devices show promise for improving medication adherence and side effect tracking.
- Co-development with patients can lead to successful mHealth system deployments in cancer care.
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