Participants' Perspectives on the iCareBreast Mobile-Based Perioperative Care Program for Women Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery: Qualitative Process Evaluation.

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer treatment, particularly during the perioperative period, is often accompanied by significant psychological distress, including anxiety and uncertainty. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have emerged as promising tools to provide timely psychosocial support through convenient, flexible, and personalized platforms. While research has explored the use of mHealth in breast cancer prevention, care management, and survivorship, few studies have examined patients' experiences with mobile interventions during the perioperative phase of breast cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the experiences of patients with breast cancer using iCareBreast, a mobile app designed to provide perioperative guidance and psychosocial support.

METHODS

A qualitative approach was used to explore participant experiences. A total of 13 English- or Chinese-speaking participants from the intervention group of a clinical study were recruited via purposive sampling between April 2021 and February 2022. Semistructured individual phone interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed to identify key patterns of experience, focusing on usability, emotional impact, perceived value, and areas for future improvement.

RESULTS

Overall, 4 main themes and 11 subthemes emerged from this study: (1) navigating the app with confidence and comfort, (2) making sense of treatment through relevant and evolving content, (3) finding emotional anchors in a time of uncertainty, and (4) advocating for broader use and continued motivation. Participants found the app user-friendly and appreciated its structure and locally relevant content, which helped reduce anxiety and enhance surgical preparedness. Features such as deep breathing exercises, motivational quotes, survivor stories, mindfulness practices, and peer support links offered emotional comfort and a sense of companionship. Participants strongly advocated for more personalized and adaptive content aligned with their treatment type and recovery progress. They also emphasized the value of interactive elements, such as video demonstrations and accessing messaging functions, to support sustained engagement. Many expressed the need for extended support throughout the adjuvant treatment phases, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The iCareBreast app was perceived as a supportive tool during the perioperative period, helping patients navigate both informational and emotional challenges. However, the findings underscore the importance of extending content across the treatment continuum and enhancing personalization and interactivity. mHealth interventions should be responsive to patients' evolving needs and integrated into clinical care pathways to provide timely, comprehensive, tailored, and ongoing support for women with breast cancer.