Exploring supportive care and information needs through a proposed eHealth application among melanoma patients undergoing systemic therapy: A qualitative study

Itske Fraterman, Savannah L. C. Glaser, Sofie Wilgenhof, Stephanie K. Medlock, Henk A. Mallo, Ronald Cornet, Lonneke V. van de Poll-Franse, Annelies H. Boekhout*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background
During and after systemic therapy, patients with high risk and advanced melanoma experience challenges regarding cancer-related symptoms, treatment-related adverse events, and an impact of these symptoms on their physical and psychosocial well-being. Few studies have investigated the specific needs of these patients and the potential role of eHealth applications in meeting those needs.

Objective
To explore the supportive care and information needs of high risk and advanced melanoma patients, and how these needs can be supported by eHealth applications.

Methods
In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews with high risk and advanced melanoma patients during or after systemic treatment were conducted to understand their needs and requirements as possible end-users of mobile eHealth applications. Interview transcripts were independently coded and thematically analyzed.

Results
Thirteen participants consented to be interviewed, aged 31 to 71 years. Nearly all patients (n = 12, 92%) experienced unmet information and supportive care needs during and after active treatment. Patients expected to value eHealth applications that facilitate information gathering, wellbeing interventions, and symptom management. The majority of patients (n = 10, 77%) anticipated various advantages from using an eHealth application, including increased autonomy, higher quality of life, and improved disease self-management.

Discussion
High risk and advanced melanoma patients have unmet supportive care and information needs during and after systemic treatment. The use of eHealth applications might be an effective way to meet these unmet needs. Patients anticipate a variety of advantages from using these applications, including deriving various benefits from the use of these applications, such as enhanced autonomy.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7249-7260
JournalSupportive Care in Cancer
Volume30
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Keywords

  • CANCER SURVIVORS
  • CLINICAL-PRACTICE
  • Immunotherapy
  • Intervention development
  • Melanoma
  • OF-LIFE
  • Patient education
  • Qualitative methods
  • REPORTED OUTCOMES
  • SATISFACTION
  • SELF-MANAGEMENT
  • Self-management
  • eHealth

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