Abstract 195P
Background
Lung cancer and its therapy related adverse effects carry high symptom burden.2 The primary goal of clinical management is to reduce symptom burden in order to improve quality of life.3 Treatment adherence is a top priority for all health-care systems. A key area of innovation that may assist patients manage their health on a daily basis is the use of digital health applications. However, the effectiveness of the apps for this purpose has not been evaluated. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of app based patient support program based on mobile health interventions on symptom burden, quality of life, and emotional well-being in lung cancer patients.
Methods
An interventional trial was conducted over a period of 16 weeks with participants recruited through a convenience sampling method. This was a mobile app based patient support program which included Patients diagnosed with both NSCLC or SCLC (82% patients on stage 4 and 17.39% on stage 3). Interventions included CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), physiotherapy, onco-nutrition counseling, and tracking of symptoms and activities. FACT-LCS questionnaire, WHO-5 Well-Being Scale was used to assess symptom burden and quality of life.
Results
The current trial enrolled 30 patients (mean aged 51.87 years, SD 14.37 years) on the Wellthy Care DTx platform. The mean logs and interactions per user during the study were 29.09, 34.95 respectively. The trial witnessed an overall improvement in symptom burden and quality of life by 54.55%, 47.83% respectively. The average LCS scores of patients at baseline was 15.33 and at endline was 20.5. Paired T test witnessed a significant improvement in scores from baseline to follow up in symptoms like Shortness of breath, Cough, appetite, Tightness in chest with a significant p < 0.05.
Conclusions
High symptom burden is a predictive indicator of poor clinical outcome and is a significant problem for cancer patients, HCPs, and caregivers. This program seems to be an effective, feasible approach for improving quality of life, symptom management in patients with lung cancer. Digital solutions provide growing evidence in improving patient's clinical, health economic end goals and symptom management and have a revolutionary impact on Lung Cancer patient's outcomes.
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.