BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a computer-based symptom cluster heuristics tool designed to explore symptom clusters experienced by adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. The Computerized Symptom Capture Tool (C-SCAT) is a newly developed iPad application, which combines graphical images and free text responses in an innovative heuristics approach to explore symptoms and symptom clusters. PROCEDURE: Seventy-two AYAs (13-29 years of age) with cancer at five institutions across the US completed the C-SCAT 24-96 hours after the initial chemotherapy dose in a chemotherapy cycle. RESULTS: All participants completed the C-SCAT successfully in a mean of 25 minutes, with 74% reporting that the final image was an accurate or very accurate representation of their symptom experience. Little clarification/coaching was necessary while completing the C-SCAT. Few technical problems were encountered. Participants judged the C-SCAT questions to be clear and endorsed ease of following instructions, typing, and drawing. CONCLUSIONS: The C-SCAT demonstrated feasibility and acceptability. With refinement based on study results, the C-SCAT has potential to: (a) empower AYAs to communicate their symptom experience and partner with providers in their care; (b) improve symptom management and ameliorate distress; and (c) translate to use with other highly symptomatic populations.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a computer-based symptom cluster heuristics tool designed to explore symptom clusters experienced by adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. The Computerized Symptom Capture Tool (C-SCAT) is a newly developed iPad application, which combines graphical images and free text responses in an innovative heuristics approach to explore symptoms and symptom clusters. PROCEDURE: Seventy-two AYAs (13-29 years of age) with cancer at five institutions across the US completed the C-SCAT 24-96 hours after the initial chemotherapy dose in a chemotherapy cycle. RESULTS: All participants completed the C-SCAT successfully in a mean of 25 minutes, with 74% reporting that the final image was an accurate or very accurate representation of their symptom experience. Little clarification/coaching was necessary while completing the C-SCAT. Few technical problems were encountered. Participants judged the C-SCAT questions to be clear and endorsed ease of following instructions, typing, and drawing. CONCLUSIONS: The C-SCAT demonstrated feasibility and acceptability. With refinement based on study results, the C-SCAT has potential to: (a) empower AYAs to communicate their symptom experience and partner with providers in their care; (b) improve symptom management and ameliorate distress; and (c) translate to use with other highly symptomatic populations.
Authors: Lauri A Linder; Jeanne M Erickson; Kristin Stegenga; Catherine Fiona Macpherson; Sarah Wawrzynski; Christina Wilson; Suzanne Ameringer Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2017-07-17 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Yelena P Wu; Lauri A Linder; Patsaporn Kanokvimankul; Brynn Fowler; Bridget G Parsons; Catherine F Macpherson; Rebecca H Johnson Journal: Oncol Nurs Forum Date: 2018-01-01 Impact factor: 2.172