Fiona W K Tang1, Carmen W H Chan1, Yin-Ping Choy2, Herbert H F Loong3, Ka Ming Chow1, Winnie K W So1. 1. The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong. 2. Department of Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hospital Authority. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Kowloon, Hong Kong. 3. Department of Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
Abstract
AIM: The study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an innovative tablet-assisted self-reported symptom assessment among newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. BACKGROUND: Routine symptom assessment for lung cancer patients in a fast-paced clinical environment is demanding. Mobile health technology offers a potential platform for symptom assessment and paves the way for tailored self-care intervention. DESIGN: A feasibility study using a mixed method design. METHOD: A convenience sample of 10 newly diagnosed lung cancer patients used tablet personal computers to self-report common symptoms: dyspnoea, fatigue, pain, and anxiety. A nurse reviewed the assessment results and provided tailored educational interventions. Acceptability was evaluated by the Electronic Self-Report Assessment-Cancer. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the patients' perceptions of this symptom assessment method. Data were collected from January to March 2016. RESULTS: An Electronic Self-Report Assessment-Cancer mean score of 23.5 (SD 2.7) showed moderate acceptance of the assessment method. Participants found this approach user-friendly and helpful in identifying their symptoms and they gained awareness and better understanding of them. CONCLUSION: Tablet-assisted symptom assessment is a feasible method that can be further tested in busy clinical settings to assess symptom burden and identify individual needs for tailoring symptom management plans.
AIM: The study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an innovative tablet-assisted self-reported symptom assessment among newly diagnosed lung cancerpatients. BACKGROUND: Routine symptom assessment for lung cancerpatients in a fast-paced clinical environment is demanding. Mobile health technology offers a potential platform for symptom assessment and paves the way for tailored self-care intervention. DESIGN: A feasibility study using a mixed method design. METHOD: A convenience sample of 10 newly diagnosed lung cancerpatients used tablet personal computers to self-report common symptoms: dyspnoea, fatigue, pain, and anxiety. A nurse reviewed the assessment results and provided tailored educational interventions. Acceptability was evaluated by the Electronic Self-Report Assessment-Cancer. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the patients' perceptions of this symptom assessment method. Data were collected from January to March 2016. RESULTS: An Electronic Self-Report Assessment-Cancer mean score of 23.5 (SD 2.7) showed moderate acceptance of the assessment method. Participants found this approach user-friendly and helpful in identifying their symptoms and they gained awareness and better understanding of them. CONCLUSION: Tablet-assisted symptom assessment is a feasible method that can be further tested in busy clinical settings to assess symptom burden and identify individual needs for tailoring symptom management plans.