Perspectives, willingness, and current use of mobile health (mHealth) by patients with cancer for remote monitoring during cancer treatment: a Dutch national cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND

The use of mobile health (mHealth) tools for remote monitoring of patients during oncological treatment appears to be a feasible option to complement traditional outcomes by objectively assessing patient fitness, collecting patient-reported outcomes, or assisting with clinical decision making. However, scarce research has been done regarding the current state of these tools. This study aimed to assess the willingness and current use of mHealth among patients with cancer and cancer survivors.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were collected via a nationwide survey in the Netherlands through the Dutch Federation of Cancer Patients' platform in April 2023. Descriptive statistics and comparisons were made using chi-square tests and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 4196 respondents, 3346 (80%) used a smartphone, 2367 (56%) a tablet, and 1285 (31%) a wearable (i.e. smartwatch). A total of 2927 (70%) respondents were willing to use an application (app) and 2481 (60%) a wearable for health-related purposes. Younger age and higher education level were significantly associated with a higher willingness to use apps (P < 0.001) and wearables (P < 0.001), whereas gender, cancer type, prognosis, and travel time to hospital were not. Not being currently treated was significantly associated with a higher willingness to use apps (P = 0.006). Current use and having heard of apps or wearables were significantly associated with a higher willingness to use them (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

There is a rich window of opportunity for research in remote monitoring of patients with cancer using mHealth tools, as most patients either already use them, or are willing to, for health-related purposes.