ASPO Abstracts
Feasibility and usability of mobile distress screening for cancer survivors
Category: Survivorship & Health Outcomes/Comparative Effectiveness Research
Conference Year: 2019
Abstract Body:
Purpose: To determine feasibility and usability of mobile distress screening over time for cancer survivorsMethods: A convenience sample of cancer patients recruited from an infusion center waiting room. Eligible patients completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) each week for four weeks through a secure link text messaged to their smart phones. The proportion of participants who completed each of the weekly assessments and how long it took participants to complete the distress screeners were measured. A telephone survey collected user feedback and satisfaction with questions using a 7 point (1=strongly disagree; 7=strongly agree) scale and supplemental open-ended questions to gather qualitative data.Results: 52 cancer patients (62% female; median household income $50-70K). Patients completed the mobile distress screener 75% of time; 57% of patients completed all four screeners. Completion time was <1 minute. Participants endorsed high satisfaction (x̄=6.5) and ease of use (x̄ =6.9) with little concern about privacy (x̄=1.9). Many participants would be willing to maintain use throughout cancer care (x̄=6.3) and would be willing to have their provider see distress scores (x̄=6.7) so that they could provide support. Conclusion: Findings support the feasibility and usability of mobile distress screening among cancer survivors. These survivors found mobile distress screeners easy to use and were willing to complete them at multiple time points. As cancer centers continue to develop programs to screen for and address psychosocial distress it is feasible to incorporate mobile assessment strategies.
Keywords: Survivorship, distress, mhealth, mobile