mHealth Technology as a Help Tool during Breast Cancer Treatment: A Content Focus Group

Angeles Fuentes (), Clara Amat, Raimundo Lozano-Rubí, Santiago Frid, Montserrat Muñoz, Joan Escarrabill and Imma Grau-Corral
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Angeles Fuentes: Fundación iSYS, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Clara Amat: Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Raimundo Lozano-Rubí: Medical Informatics Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Santiago Frid: Medical Informatics Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Montserrat Muñoz: Oncology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Joan Escarrabill: Patient Xperience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Imma Grau-Corral: Fundación iSYS, 08028 Barcelona, Spain

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 5, 1-12

Abstract: Purpose: To assess the usability and preferences of the contents of mHealth software developed for breast cancer patients as a tool to obtain patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), improve the patient’s knowledge about the disease and its side effects, increase adherence to treatment, and facilitate communication with the doctor. Intervention: an mHealth tool called the Xemio app provides side effect tracking, social calendars, and a personalized and trusted disease information platform to deliver evidence-based advice and education for breast cancer patients. Method: A qualitative research study using semi-structured focus groups was conducted and evaluated. This involved a group interview and a cognitive walking test using Android devices, with the participation of breast cancer survivors. Results: The ability to track side effects and the availability of reliable content were the main benefits of using the application. The ease of use and the method of interaction were the primary concerns; however, all participants agreed that the application would be beneficial to users. Finally, participants expressed their expectations of being informed by their healthcare providers about the launch of the Xemio app. Conclusion: Participants perceived the need for reliable health information and its benefits through an mHealth app. Therefore, applications for breast cancer patients must be designed with accessibility as a key consideration.

Keywords: breast cancer; mHealth; focus group (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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