title: Feasibility and acceptability of an iPad application to explore symptom clusters in adolescents and young adults with cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a computer-based symptom cluster heuristics tool designed to explore symptom clusters experienced by adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. The Computerized Symptom Capture Tool (C-SCAT) is a newly developed iPad application, which combines graphical images and free text responses in an innovative heuristics approach to explore symptoms and symptom clusters.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-two AYAs (13-29 years of age) with cancer at five institutions across the US completed the C-SCAT 24-96 hours after the initial chemotherapy dose in a chemotherapy cycle.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All participants completed the C-SCAT successfully in a mean of 25 minutes, with 74% reporting that the final image was an accurate or very accurate representation of their symptom experience. Little clarification/coaching was necessary while completing the C-SCAT. Few technical problems were encountered. Participants judged the C-SCAT questions to be clear and endorsed ease of following instructions, typing, and drawing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The C-SCAT demonstrated feasibility and acceptability. With refinement based on study results, the C-SCAT has potential to: (a) empower AYAs to communicate their symptom experience and partner with providers in their care; (b) improve symptom management and ameliorate distress; and (c) translate to use with other highly symptomatic populations.
authors: Seattle Children's Hospital & University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, Washington.
authors: Catherine Fiona
authors: CF
authors: Macpherson
authors: Lauri A
authors: LA
authors: Linder
authors: Suzanne
authors: S
authors: Ameringer
authors: Jeanne
authors: J
authors: Erickson
authors: Kristin
authors: K
authors: Stegenga
authors: Nancy F
authors: NF
authors: Woods
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004360:Drug Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: adolescent; cancer; mobile technology; symptom assessment; young adult