Usability of an online application for reporting the burden of side effects in cancer patients

M.C. van Eenbergen*, C. van den Hurk, F. Mols, L.V. van de Poll-Franse

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose
In the Netherlands, online patient reporting of side effects is a new phenomenon. The aim of this study was to gain insight into patients' user experiences and the benefits of the web application BijKanker ('AlongsideCancer').

Methods
Patients in seven hospitals were asked to make entries in BijKanker at least once a week. On logging in to the application for the first time (T1), patients were asked to complete a questionnaire on information needs and Internet use. Four months after starting their treatment (T2), they were asked to complete a second questionnaire on their experiences with BijKanker and its four functions: information; reporting side effects; communication with oncology nurses and clinicians; and data feedback.

Results
Ninety-nine patients logged in to BijKanker, 60 patients (61%) had completed the first questionnaire (T1) and 40 (40%) had also completed the second questionnaire (T2). In total, 1661 side effects were reported. Generally, patients experienced BijKanker as user-friendly and patients appreciated the attention given to their side effects.

Conclusions
The user-centred design gives ample insight into user experiences and usability. The results provide useful starting points for improvements to the online application. We recommend to put much effort into supporting oncology nurses in the implementation of the application.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3411-3419
JournalSupportive Care in Cancer
Volume27
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Keywords

  • ADVERSE EVENTS
  • BREAST-CANCER
  • CLINICIAN
  • COMMON TERMINOLOGY CRITERIA
  • Cancer
  • Chemotherapy
  • INFORMATION NEEDS
  • OUTCOMES VERSION
  • Online application
  • PRO
  • Patient-reported outcomes
  • QUALITY-OF-LIFE
  • SURVIVORS
  • Side effects
  • TOXICITIES

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Usability of an online application for reporting the burden of side effects in cancer patients'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this