ASPO Abstracts
Interactive Patient-centered Website to Prevent Dysphagia in Irradiated Pharyngeal Cancer Patients
Category: Survivorship & Health Outcomes/Comparative Effectiveness Research, Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2018
Abstract Body:
Purpose: To provide evidence-based preventive speech pathology services (evaluations and swallowing exercises) and an effective adherence program via a mobile health technology application to head and neck cancer patients during radiation. Methods: We developed a responsive web-based application program to help patients adhere to preventive swallowing exercises and cope with radiation side effects. The website (English and Spanish) features tracking logs for weight loss, trismus and swallowing exercises, how-to-videos, patient’s stories and all-inclusive search bar. Participants at community outpatient clinics based in Fort Worth and Galveston, TX are taught how to log in and navigate the secure interactive website before radiation and are given access to new weekly modules every week for 10 weeks. Results: One hundred and twelve patients have been enrolled into the prevention program; 52 who received a non- interactive pilot version of the web-based program and 60 who have received the full-scale interactive program. Accrual rates are approximately 95%, with the most common reason for refusal is dislike of a computer-based platform. Approximately 38% of the enrolled patients are either uninsured or low-SES patients. Fifteen mobile tablets with monthly data plans have been distributed to patients without access to computers or smartphones. All 112 patients have received preventive and diagnostic speech pathology services, including fiberoptic endoscopic swallowing tests (FEES). Of the 60 patients who have been enrolled onto our full-scale interactive website, 75% have logged in at least once and over 50% log in regularly throughout the course of their radiation; each visit to the website averages 7 min 38 sec and 8.2 different actions (page views, downloads, searches). Most participants are viewing the swallowing and trismus exercise videos, the cooking demonstrations, and “what to expect this week.” Patients have rated the program highly on helpfulness in coping with radiation side effects and with adhering to swallowing and trismus exercises. Conclusion: Head and neck cancer patients are highly satisfied with technology-based intervention designed to help them cope with radiation side effects and prevent long-term swallowing dysfunction.
Keywords: Head and Neck Cancer Adherence to preventive regimens Mobile Technology