Helping Cancer Patients Manage Their Treatment

Cancer patients often struggle with managing their medication and tracking symptoms. Two tools were created to tackle this issue: an app and a brochure. Both were designed to help patients stick to their medication schedule and keep an eye on their symptoms. A study was conducted to see how well these tools worked and what made them easy or hard to use. The study also looked at how these tools affected the patients' overall well-being and how satisfied they were with the medication information they received. The study involved patients who were either starting or already taking a drug called sunitinib. These patients were asked to use either the app or the brochure for six months. They filled out surveys at the start, after three months, and after six months. These surveys asked about their experiences with the tools, their quality of life, and their satisfaction with the medication information. Some patients also took part in interviews after six months. The main goal was to see if the app and brochure were practical for patients to use. Out of the 22 patients who agreed to participate, 19 completed the first survey, 15 completed the second, and 12 finished all three. Twelve patients also agreed to be interviewed. Both the app and the brochure were found to be easy to use and helpful for managing symptoms and preparing for doctor visits. Patients were generally happy with the medication information they received. The overall quality of life for the patients improved, with the average score increasing from 69 at the start to 84 after six months. The app and brochure proved to be valuable additions to the usual care for cancer patients taking sunitinib. They helped patients feel more confident in managing their symptoms. Having the brochure as an option made care more patient-centered and accessible to all, boosting self-confidence in managing their health. One thing to consider is that not all patients completed the entire study. This could be due to the challenges of dealing with cancer treatment. Future studies could look into ways to keep more patients engaged throughout the process. Additionally, while the tools were helpful, they should not replace professional medical advice. Patients should still consult their doctors for any concerns about their treatment.