A Decision Support Application for Patients with Cancer: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the usability of a decision support application (app) for patients with cancer. Methods Forty-three patients with cancer participated in this study, from June to October 2022. An app that prompted users to choose suitable options to questions from a list of 11 value items was used. The patient value characteristics were displayed as judgment results (radar charts). Afterward, a questionnaire survey was administered using a Web Usability Scale (WUS: 21 items, five-point scale) and free responses. Results Five male and 38 female patients (mean age 59 ± 13.1 years) participated in this study. The WUS 7-item values were as follows: favorability, 2.77 ± 1.01; usefulness, 2.45 ± 1.06; reliability, 3.15 ± 0.90; ease of operability, 3.90 ± 0.89; ease of understanding structure, 3.53 ± 0.96; ease of viewing, 2.77 ± 1.22; and responsiveness, 2.57 ± 1.34. Visualizing values through the app allowed patients to understand their current state of mind, realize their values are biased, and gain opportunities to talk with their family. However, direct care was more suitable than care through the app for some patients. Conclusion The evaluations obtained in the WUS were good for all factors except “favorability” and “responsiveness.” The free responses suggested that patients who are unable to sort out their complex feelings may have difficulties using the app. The results also suggest that it is necessary to have sufficient intention to use the app for positive results.