Evaluation of an e-health intervention for cancer patients support

ABSTRACT: Background and study aims Breast and colorectal cancers are two major health problems in developed countries, accounting for nearly 27% of the 3.2 million cancer cases diagnosed in the EU. The majority of people with cancer will receive chemotherapy as part of their treatment and, thus, are likely to suffer chemotherapy-related side effects. Close follow-up and management of such adverse events are of great importance to avoid further and more severe complications in these patients. Thanks to advances in chemotherapy treatment, patients usually stay in their homes while receiving treatment. Side effects are thus dealt with by family caregivers and patients themselves, often with very little support from health professionals. The remote follow-up of chemotherapy-related side effects by means of mobile phones or computers may help these patients reduce the severity of complications by identifying and controlling them earlier and easier. The aim of this study is to find out if the use of a new Web program installed in mobile phones can help cancer patients receiving chemotherapy to better control the side effects of the treatment. The researchers hope to learn more about how this mobile phone-supported system affects the control of side effects, patients’ quality of life, number of hospital admissions, and visits to the emergency department. Besides, the researchers hope to find out if patients and health professionals feel comfortable using this new electronic communication system. Who can participate? Patients aged 15 or over with breast or colorectal cancer who are about to start a new chemotherapy treatment What does the study involve? All participants fill in three short questionnaires at the beginning of the study. It takes around 15 minutes to fill in all the questionnaires. Participants are randomly allocated to either use the phone system or to receive the usual medical care. Participants in the phone group are trained on the use of the phone system. Twice a day they fill in a short questionnaire on side effects using their mobile phone or PC. According to the symptoms they report, text messages or videos are sent back to them. Should the symptoms become serious, a nurse contacts them. They also receive the usual medical care. Additionally, participants may be selected for an interview with a member of the scientific team at the beginning and at the end of the study. Participants also fill in three more questionnaires at specific times during the study.

DISEASE(S): Breast And Colorectal Cancer

PROVIDER: 2407002 | ecrin-mdr-crc |

REPOSITORIES: ECRIN MDR