Using a Heuristic App to Improve Symptom Self-Management in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

Abstract

Purpose: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer need self-management strategies to cope with multiple symptoms. Self-efficacy, self-regulation, and negotiated collaboration are key theoretical components of the self-management process and have not been fully explored with AYAs with cancer. This study examined the effects of a heuristic symptom assessment tool on AYAs' self-efficacy for symptom management, AYAs' self-regulation abilities related to their symptoms, and communication with their providers about symptoms. Methods: AYAs (15-29 years of age) receiving chemotherapy used the Computerized Symptom Capture Assessment Tool (C-SCAT) to illustrate their symptom experience and discuss their symptoms with providers during two clinic visits. Participants completed the PROMIS Self-efficacy for Managing Symptoms Scale, a measure of satisfaction with provider communication, and a short interview about self-regulation and communication behaviors at baseline and after each provider visit. Results: Eighty-five AYAs who used the C-SCAT showed improved self-efficacy for managing symptoms. Qualitative data suggest that the C-SCAT was useful for enhancing a number of AYAs' self-regulation abilities related to symptom management, such as awareness and recall of symptoms, how symptoms were related, and how they planned to talk about their symptoms to providers. AYAs reported C-SCAT facilitated communication with providers about symptoms and symptom management because it was a visual prompt showing priority and related symptoms. Conclusions: Because AYAs continue to experience multiple distressing symptoms, symptom selfmanagement remains an important area for practice and research. Use of heuristic tools, such as the C-SCAT, may help AYAs more effectively self-manage their symptoms for better health outcomes.

‘This is not part of my life plan’: A qualitative study on the psychosocial experiences and practical challenges in young adults with cancer age 25 to 39 years at diagnosis

“…Scalable interventions should be explored, particularly those that can be delivered remotely (Penn & Kuperberg, 2018; Viola et al, 2020). A paper‐based discussion aid called ‘Snapshot’ providing prompts for psychosocial issues and a mobile phone app supporting symptom tracking have shown to facilitate conversations around personal or sensitive topics in AYAs (Erickson et al, 2018; Poort et al, 2018). Individual psychological support focusing on AYA‐related issues including social, family and romantic relationships and a similar intervention using cognitive behavioural therapy have shown to improve quality of life (Aubin et al, 2019; Rosenberg et al, 2015).…”

Synthesis of self-management strategies used by young adults who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A narrative review

“…Given that self-management is a complex and continuous process (Barlow et al, 2002), it seems vital that future studies embrace a holistic vision when considering SMSs used by young adults who have undergone HSCT rather than concentrating on individual components. The use of a holistic vision of this nature is already showing promising results in managing the symptoms of young adults living with cancer (Erickson et al, 2019).…”

Synthèse des stratégies d’autogestion employées par de jeunes adultes ayant reçu une greffe de cellules hématopoïétiques : revue narrative

“…Étant donné que l'autogestion est un processus complexe et dynamique (Barlow et al, 2002), il semble essentiel que de futures études considèrent les SA utilisées par de jeunes adultes ayant reçu une GCH selon une vision holistique plutôt qu'en ses différentes composantes. D'ailleurs, une telle vision holistique semble démontrer des résultats encourageants dans la gestion efficace des symptômes de jeunes adultes atteints d'un cancer (Erickson et al, 2019).…”