Abstract
BackgroundA range of innovative websites, mobile technologies, eHealth and mHealth platforms have emerged to support adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. Previous reviews have identified these various applications and solutions, but no review has summarized the quality, feasibility, and efficacy of existing patient platforms (inclusive of websites, mobile technologies, mHealth and eHealth platforms) developed specifically for young people with cancer.ObjectiveThis paper describes the design of a protocol to conduct a review of published studies or reports which describe or report on an existing platform designed specifically for AYAs who have had a cancer diagnosis.MethodsA search string was developed using a variety of key words and Medical Subject Heading and applied to bibliographic databases. General data (sample characteristics, patient platform development, design and, if applicable, pilot testing outcomes) will be extracted from reports and studies. Drawing on a previously developed coding schematic, the identified patient platforms will be coded for mode of delivery into (1) automated functions, (2) communicative functions, and (3) use of supplementary modes. An adapted version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) will be used to assess the of quality of each identified patient platform. The methodological quality of included studies will be assessed using the Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields (QualSyst). Both authors will independently screen eligible studies for final inclusion and will both be responsible for data extraction and appraisal. Data will be synthesized narratively to provide an overview of identified patient platforms.ResultsThe review began in October 2016 and is currently in progress. The review paper will be submitted for peer-review and publication in the summer of 2017.ConclusionsThis review will be unique in its focus on assessing, where possible, the quality and efficacy of patient platforms for adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer. Results generated from this review will provide an invaluable insight into the utility of modern technology in supporting young people with cancer.
Highlights
As a cancer diagnosis and its subsequent treatment may be the first time a young person independently encounters the health care system and is required to learn self-management skills relating to their health and well-being
adolescents and young adults Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) (AYA) who have had a cancer diagnosis are at increased risk of cancer recurrence, chronic disease, and often face physical, emotional, and social difficulties [5,6]
Data Extraction General data and information regarding sample characteristics, patient platform development, design, and pilot testing outcomes will be extracted from reports and studies
Summary
As a cancer diagnosis and its subsequent treatment may be the first time a young person independently encounters the health care system and is required to learn self-management skills relating to their health and well-being. A cancer diagnosis and its subsequent treatment may be the first time a young person independently encounters the health care system and is required to learn self-management skills relating to their health and wellbeing. Previous reviews have identified these various applications and solutions, but no review has summarized the quality, feasibility, and efficacy of existing patient platforms (inclusive of websites, mobile technologies, mHealth and eHealth platforms) developed for young people with cancer. The methodological quality of included studies will be assessed using the Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields (QualSyst) Both authors will independently screen eligible studies for final inclusion and will both be responsible for data extraction and appraisal. Results generated from this review will provide an invaluable insight into the utility of modern technology in supporting young people with cancer
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
