IGestSaúde a mobile application for the self-management of symptoms associated with chemotherapy treatment: Development protocol

Abstract

Background & Aim: People undergoing chemotherapy treatment of an oncologic disease refer to the need to promote the process of self-management of the disease and the symptoms associated with treatment. This study aims to describe the development protocol of a mobile application to support the self-management of symptoms associated with chemotherapy treatment, the IGestSaúde. Methods & Materials: The research is divided into six stages, using an exploratory/descriptive pilot study conducted over 36 months. The stages include research and fundamentals, development, validation of therapeutic guidelines, field study, technological development, implementation, and mobile application evaluation. Discussion: The project will monitor and improve patients' compliance to chemotherapy, to prevent patients’ complications through preventive indications for self-care, and to improve patients' responses to uncontrolled symptoms or complications. Conclusion: Mobile applications can be considered a viable and effective means for self-management of complications associated with chemotherapy treatment, supported by scientific evidence and these people's specific needs.

Keywords

• mobile application; chemotherapy; self-management