Abstract
BackgroundThere are few support systems available to informal carers who provide care to cancer patients. Smartphone apps have the capacity to reach large audiences and can provide information and support at a time convenient to carers.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to design a smartphone app prototype for carers of adults with cancer.MethodsA multiple-method design was used to develop a smartphone app. Current and past carers of people with any type of cancer were recruited from a public hospital, a private hospital, and a carer organization, who participated in either a focus group or phone interview. Carers answered questions about items to include in an app to address supportive care needs identified. Using carers’ feedback, a smartphone app was designed and tested.Beta testing was conducted using a convenience sample of participants who completed scenarios to inform the app’s design, functionality, and usability. Scenarios were timed and marked as complete or incomplete. Participants completed a questionnaire about the usability of the app. Beta testing occurred in 2 stages—a paper-based version of the app and an app-based test using the participants’ preferred device. Alpha testing was completed internally to ensure the functionality of the app. Data were collected between May 2016 and August 2017.ResultsA total of 33 carers participated in phone interviews and 12 in focus groups; their average age was 55 (SD 14) years, and 60% (27/45) were female. The majority of carers (76%, 25/33) had a positive attitude toward using smartphone apps. Carers noted that smartphone technology might improve their ability to seek information and support in managing their own health as well as the care needs of the person with cancer. Carers requested a variety of information and resources to be included in the app. Paper-based testing included the following: participants (N=10) were aged above 30 years (30%, 3/10), 30 to 49 years (30%, 3/10), and 50 years or above (40%, 4/10), and 60% (6/10) were male. Participants found the app user-friendly and pleasing in appearance.App-based testing included the following: participants (N=10) were aged above 30 years (20%, 2/10), 30 to 49 years (30%, 3/10), and 50 years or above (50%, 5/10), and 50% (5/10) were male. Participants reported the app to be user-friendly and easy to navigate. The majority (60%, 6/10) of participants were unable to create a shortcut icon to add the app to the home screen of their phone.ConclusionsCarers highlighted the needed information and support to assist them during the caring period; they also reported having a positive attitude toward smartphone apps. The Carer Guide App is currently undergoing a pilot study to further test usability among carers of people with 1 cancer type.
Highlights
BackgroundCancer is a significant issue worldwide with over 14 million people diagnosed in 2012 [1] and is estimated to account for 9.6 million deaths in 2018 [2]
Carers highlighted the needed information and support to assist them during the caring period; they reported having a positive attitude toward smartphone apps
theory of planned behavior (TPB) and UTAUT guided the development of the app in terms of its structure and function and accessibility to carers’ with varying skills and confidence in using smartphone apps
Summary
BackgroundCancer is a significant issue worldwide with over 14 million people diagnosed in 2012 [1] and is estimated to account for 9.6 million deaths in 2018 [2]. The financial burden on health care systems has resulted in quicker discharge times for patients and increased the need for care to continue in the community [3]. In Australia, there are approximately 2.7 million informal carers who are not paid for the care they provide [4]. Informal carers are often family members who may have limited awareness and understanding about the disease to sufficiently meet the care needs of individuals [5]. Physical, mental, social, and financial burdens are common among carers resulting in negative health outcomes and poor well-being [6]. There are few support systems available to informal carers who provide care to cancer patients. Smartphone apps have the capacity to reach large audiences and can provide information and support at a time convenient to carers
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