Development and Validation of a Multidisciplinary Mobile Care System for Patients With Advanced Gastrointestinal Cancer: Interventional Observation Study (Preprint)

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy is the most common treatment plan for individuals with advanced cancer. Although this treatment improves the survival of patients, their quality of life is still poor because of its adverse effects. Mobile health applications (apps) have emerged as an alternative in managing this condition. However, only few apps have selfmonitoring features, and they are not standardized and validated by health experts.Objective: This study aimed to develop a comprehensive mobile care system with selfmonitoring features that can be useful in providing information and facilitating communication in patients with advanced cancer. Methods:In this context, the establishment of a comprehensive mobile health management system was divided into three steps. First, the service scope was set up, and the measurement tools were standardized. Second, the service flow of the mobile care system was organized.Third, the mobile app (Life Manager) was developed. Results:The general services can be used for the management of chemotherapy side effect, nutrition, and rehabilitation. To effectively identify patient symptoms using the mobile app, The main themes of the application are: To-do-list, Health information, and In-app-chat service. When a patient logs into the app, the "To-do-list" theme first appears on the screen.The patient can check the "Daily tasks" on this screen. The common contents of the health information consist of drug explanation, general side effects, and countermeasures against the side effects of chemotherapy. Using the "In-app-chat service" the patient can communicate with experts anytime and anywhere. The wearable device that is linked to the app via Bluetooth can measure performed activities. Conclusions:In terms of service flow, a clinical evidence-based care system was established, which can provide high-quality care and run both offline and online. In terms of life-manager app development, a mobile health app with multidisciplinary effects for patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients was created.