Abstract
Background: Mobile applications are playing an increasing role in
patient care, and their use in the oncologic field opens up promising
possibilities in the fields of supportive cancer care and patient
education. The objective of our study was to determine the effects on
quality of life (QOL) of a mobile app–based training for supportive
care of women with breast cancer using adjuvant endocrine hormonal
therapy. Material and Methods: A single-blinded and randomized design
was used. Participants were randomly assigned to either control group
that receives routine care or intervention group that receives routine
care plus access to mobile app–based training support for 12 weeks. QOL
and symptom distress were measured before intervention (T0), after 12
weeks (T1) of intervention. This study is the application of three
modality combinations: mobile app-based patient education (1), web-based
management application (2), and nurse’s tracking over the phone and
mobile app (3). The mobile app-based training also provides basic
information about breast cancer, symptom diary and lifestyle
recommendations (adequate and balanced nutrition, regular physical
activity, deal with stress effectively). Results: QOL of the treatment
group after intervention increased and distress level was low compared
to the control group; these results were statistically significant. The
majority of the patients reported that the mobile application was
“informative and useful”. Conclusions: This demonstrated that the
mobile app is an effective intervention for supportive care in women
with breast cancer. The mobile app–based training, which is an
innovative intervention, is recommended as a supportive care initiative
for women with breast cancer.