PATI: Patient accessed tailored information: A pilot study to evaluate the effect on preoperative breast cancer patients of information delivered via a mobile application.
OBJECTIVE
The information needs of cancer patients are highly variable. Literature suggests an improved ability to modulate personalised stress, increased patient involvement with decision making, greater satisfaction with treatment choices and reduced anxiety levels in cancer patients who have access to information. The aim of this project was to evaluate the effects of a mobile information application on anxiety levels of patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer.


METHODS
An application was developed for use with Apple iPad containing information on basic breast cancer biology, different treatments used and surgical techniques. Content and face validity studies were performed. A randomized control trial was designed, with a 1:2 allocation. Data collected include basic demographics and type of surgery. Questionnaires used included: the HADS, Mini-MAC, information technology familiarity and information satisfaction.


RESULTS
A total of 39 women participated. 13 women had access to an iPad containing additional information and 26 women acted as controls. The mean age was 54 and technology familiarity was similar among both groups. Anxiety and depression scores at seven days were significantly lower in control patients without access to the additional information provided by the mobile application (p = 0.022 and 0.029 respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients is both multifactorial and significant, with anxiety levels directly correlating with reduced quality of life. Intuitively, information should improve anxiety levels, however, we have demonstrated that surgical patients with less information reported significantly lower anxiety. We advise the thorough testing and auditing of information initiatives before deployment.
Breast Research Centre, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. Electronic address: foleynm@tcd.ie.
N M
NM
Foley
Breast Research Centre, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland.
E P
EP
O'Connell
Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
E A
EA
Lehane
Breast Research Centre, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland.
V
V
Livingstone
School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
B
B
Maher
Breast Research Centre, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland.
S
S
Kaimkhani
Division of General Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
T
T
Cil
Breast Research Centre, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland.
N
N
Relihan
Breast Research Centre, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland.
M W
MW
Bennett
Breast Research Centre, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland.
H P
HP
Redmond
Breast Research Centre, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland; Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland.
M A
MA
Corrigan
D022126:Access to Information / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D063731:Mobile Applications; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Access to information; Anxiety; Breast cancer; Depression; Digital divide; Personal satisfaction