Development of mobile health-based self-management support for patients with lung cancer: A stepwise approach.

AIM: To develop self-management support platform on mobile for Chinese patients with lung cancer.

DESIGN

A stepwise approach with combination of methods.

METHODS

Literature review was carried out to construct preliminary framework and develop detailed content for self-management modules. A semistructured interview was conducted to elicit preference in the content and platform of self-management modules with 15 patients with lung cancer. Delphi study was performed to evaluate and improve the content of modules with 13 experts. A pilot study was conducted to test the mobile health-based self-management support modules with 13 patients with lung cancer.

RESULTS

A social network software-based WeChat public account "Symptom Self-Management" for patients with lung cancer was developed and preliminarily tested with positive feedback. Three modules were designed and presented, including symptom management (cancer-related fatigue, cough, dyspnoea, pain, nausea and vomiting), emotion management and role management.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that patients with lung cancer have diversified supportive care needs after discharge. A bottom-up and stepwise approach to develop mobile health-based self-management support tool has shown to be feasible and valuable. Theory guidance, user requirement exploration, evidence-based information and expert evaluation are key elements of the process.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The WeChat Public Account "Symptom Self-Management" could be used as sustainable platform to support patients with lung cancer in dealing with common challenges. It provides professional information, self-assessment tools, self-management skills and peer-support platform. Information presented in both text and audio forms enables patients' easy access to the platform.