Feasibility and acceptability of an iPad application to explore symptom clusters in adolescents and young adults with cancer. Issue 11 (25th July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Macpherson, Catherine Fiona; Linder, Lauri A.; Ameringer, Suzanne; Erickson, Jeanne; Stegenga, Kristin; Woods, Nancy F.
• Is Part Of: Pediatric blood & cancer. Volume 61:Issue 11(2014:Nov.)
• Page Start: 1996
• Page End: 2003
• Publication Date: 2014-07-25
• Subjects: Tumors in children -- Periodicals; Blood -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Cancer in children -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25152
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1545-5009

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="pbc25152-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a computer‐based symptom cluster heuristics tool designed to explore symptom clusters experienced by adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. The Computerized Symptom Capture Tool (C‐SCAT) is a newly developed iPad application, which combines graphical images and free text responses in an innovative heuristics approach to explore symptoms and symptom clusters.</p> </sec> <sec id="pbc25152-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Procedure</title> <p>Seventy‐two AYAs (13–29 years of age) with cancer at five institutions across the US completed the C‐SCAT 24–96 hours after the initial chemotherapy dose in a chemotherapy cycle.</p> </sec> <sec id="pbc25152-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>All participants completed the C‐SCAT successfully in a mean of 25 minutes, with 74% reporting that the final image was an accurate or very accurate representation of their symptom experience. Little clarification/coaching was necessary while completing the C‐SCAT. Few technical problems were encountered. Participants judged the C‐SCAT questions to be clear and endorsed ease of following instructions, typing, and drawing.</p> </sec> <sec id="pbc25152-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>The C‐SCAT demonstrated feasibility and acceptability. With refinement based on study results, the C‐SCAT has potential to: (a) empower AYAs to communicate their symptom experience and partner with providers in their care; (b) improve symptom management and ameliorate distress; and (c) translate to use with other highly symptomatic populations. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:1996–2003. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p> </sec> </abstract>