Adolescents’ and young adults’ experiences of a prototype cancer smartphone app

Abstract

Objective Smartphone cancer-related apps have been shown to meet some of the needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) during their cancer trajectory. However, there is a lack of apps evaluated by AYAs; thus, the quality of many of these apps has been contested. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of a cancer smartphone app called Kræftværket. The AYA participants reflected on their first experiences of the app and whether it was a relevant and useful tool during and after their cancer trajectory. Methods A total of 20 AYA cancer patients aged 16-29 years (n = 10 on treatment, n = 10 in follow up) were provided with a prototype of the Kræftværket app during a 6-week test period (April-May 2018). After the test period, n = 17 participated in focus group interviews, which were analyzed thematically. Results The following themes were found: Sharing personal information (anonymity, safe communication, tough topics, videos and YouTube clips, tracking statistics); Normalcy (Seeing oneself reflected in in others, not alone, general and specific communities); Need for interaction (response from the app, information provided by the app, the app should give more back); and An everyday tool (integrating the app into daily routines, competition between app and Facebook group, temporary needs). Conclusions The app was perceived to be most relevant at disease onset. During the treatment period, both diagnosis-specific information and communities were requested. There was a call for a clearer distinction between the purpose of the app and other Facebook communities and for a notification function.