Developing a mobile-based self-care application for patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy

Self-care in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy is an important factor in controlling and reducing the side effects of chemotherapy which leads to a greater adherence to chemotherapy and improved quality of life. Given the role of smartphones in individuals' lives and their apparent capacities for self-care, the aim of this study was to present a mobile-based self-care application for patients with breast canceundergoing chemotherapy.

This applied developmental research was conducted in two stages. At first, needs assessment was performed to identify the needs of oncology and general surgery specialists and patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Then, the prototype of the application was designed under the Android platform. Finally, to evaluate the usability and satisfaction of users, the standard Quiz questionnaire version 5.5 was completed by 30 patients for one week. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 21 using descriptive statistics.

According to the findings 32 elements (among 36) of the needs assessment questionnaire were considered as necessary by the participants. General features of the program included: patient profiles, side effects management, life style and system capabilities. The usability assessment of the application showed that the users rated the application as good with a mean score of 7.9 (out of nine points).

Mobile-based care applications can be used to help patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy in managing side effects and obtaining self-care skills.