Dataset Information

Identification of the Needs and Preferences of Patients With Cancer for the Development of a Clinic App: Qualitative Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) tools were developed during the past decades and are increasingly used by patients in cancer care too. Scientific research in the development of mHealth services is required in order to meet the various needs of patients and test usability.

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess patients' needs, preferences, and usability of an app (My University Clinic [MUC] app) developed by the Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF) Germany.

Methods

Based on a qualitative cross-sectional approach, we conducted semistructured interviews with patients with cancer, addressing their needs, preferences, and usability of the designed MUC app. Patients treated by the CCCF were recruited based on a purposive sampling technique focusing on age, sex, cancer diagnoses, and treatment setting (inpatient, outpatient). Data analysis followed the qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz and was performed using computer-assisted software (MAXQDA).

Results

For the interviews, 17 patients with cancer were selected, covering a broad range of sampling parameters. The results showed that patients expect benefits in terms of improved information about the disease and communication with the clinic staff. Demands for additional features were identified (eg, a list of contact persons and medication management). The most important concerns referred to data security and the potential restriction of personal contacts with health care professionals of the clinical departments of the CCCF. In addition, some features for improving the design of the MUC app with respect to usability or for inclusion of interacting tools were suggested by the patients.

Conclusions

The results of this qualitative study were discussed within the multidisciplinary team and the MUC app providers. Patients' perspectives and needs will be included in further development of the MUC app. There will be a second study phase in which patients will receive a test version of the MUC app and will be asked about their experiences with it.

Trial registration

Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien DRKS00022162; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00022162.

SUBMITTER: Weis J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10415940 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Identification of the Needs and Preferences of Patients With Cancer for the Development of a Clinic App: Qualitative Study.

Weis Joachim J Wolf Lucy Raphaela LR Boerries Melanie M Kassahn Daniela D Boeker Martin M Dresch Carolin C

JMIR cancer 20230727

<h4>Background</h4>Mobile health (mHealth) tools were developed during the past decades and are increasingly used by patients in cancer care too. Scientific research in the development of mHealth services is required in order to meet the various needs of patients and test usability.<h4>Objective</h4>The aim of this study is to assess patients' needs, preferences, and usability of an app (My University Clinic [MUC] app) developed by the Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF) Germany.<h4>Meth ...[more]

PMID: 37498653

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Dataset Information

Identification of the Needs and Preferences of Patients With Cancer for the Development of a Clinic App: Qualitative Study.

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

Publications

Identification of the Needs and Preferences of Patients With Cancer for the Development of a Clinic App: Qualitative Study.

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