A feasibility study on using tablet personal computers for self-reported symptom assessment in newly diagnosed lung cancer patients

Int J Nurs Pract. 2018 Aug;24(4):e12658. doi: 10.1111/ijn.12658. Epub 2018 Apr 11.

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.

Keywords: information technology; lung cancer; mobile health; nursing; symptom assessment.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anxiety / etiology
  • Cancer Pain / etiology
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Fatigue / etiology
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications*
  • Lung Neoplasms / nursing
  • Male
  • Microcomputers*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Sampling Studies
  • Self Report*
  • Symptom Assessment*