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Evaluation of support from an interactive app during radiotherapy for patients with prostate cancer - A two-arm
Nazmije Kelmendi1, Marie-Therése Crafoord2, Kay Sundberg3
1Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, 141 52, Stockholm, Sweden; Academic Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Box 45436, 104 31, Stockholm, Sweden.
Purpose:
The aim was to evaluate an intervention including an app for symptom monitoring, self-management, and support from a nurse for patients with prostate cancer during radiotherapy.
Methods:
A randomised controlled trial including quantitative and qualitative data. The intervention group (n = 75) used the app, while the control group (n = 75) received only standard care. Primary outcomes were health-related quality of life and symptom burden assessed with the well-validated questionnaires EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-PR25. Data were collected at baseline (BL), three weeks (FU1), and three months post-treatment (FU2), then analysed by ANCOVA repeated measure. Individual interviews with patients from both groups (n = 37) were performed and analysed by thematic analysis.
Results:
From BL to FU1, the intervention group experienced an increase in constipation, while the control group showed a decrease (P = 0.01). From BL to FU1 the intervention group experienced less bowel symptoms than the control group (P = 0.01). The interview resulted in two themes: "Perception of care and treatment" and "Passive and active navigation during treatment". Patients from both groups expressed satisfaction with the care they received. Patients in the intervention group described that reporting in the app enhanced their awareness of symptoms; furthermore, it made the patients feel safe and supported. Patients in the control group described insecurity regarding knowing when and where to seek help.
Conclusions:
The intervention may reduce bowel symptoms and enhance symptom awareness among patients. More research is needed to give evidence of how digital tools can be supportive to patients during radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
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