Using a mobile health application in post oral cancer surgery to affect patients' needs and quality of life
Tze-Fang Wang
National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan
: J Nurs Patient Care
Abstract
Introduction & Aim: Oral cancer is the fifth most common form of cancer in Taiwan in terms of incidence and death rate and ranks fourth among the most common cancers affecting men in terms of incidence and death rate. According to previous research, the majority of oral cancer patients expressed that health treatment information is the most needed out of all caring needs. When information needs are met, anxiety can be effectively reduced. This study aimed to explore using a mobile health application (APP) in post oral cancer surgery to affect patients' needs and quality of life. Interventions/Methods: This quasi-experimental study enrolled 120 oral cancer patients (60 patients in the experimental group, 60 patients in the control group) who had received oral surgical treatment. Intervention: Used 3-month mobile health application (APP) to educate patients with health treatment information with follow-up after three months to collect data. Instrument: Each patient completed a demographic questionnaire, the head and neck cancer quality of life scale (EORTC QOL-H&N35), the Short Form Cancer Needs Questionnaire (CNQ-SF) and Technology Acceptance Scale. Results: Results showed that there is an increase in quality of life of the experimental group and decrease in caring needs for cancer patients such as daily need, physical and daily living domain need, psychological domain need, interpersonal communication domain need and patient and support domain need. Perceived usefulness, ease of use, behavioral intention to use and attitude toward use showed significant differences before and after APP intervention for the experimental group. In terms of APP use satisfaction, interacting with fellow patients group showed highest satisfaction level. When using the APP, patients like to interact and can promptly share information mainly regarding care. Conclusion: In exploring the effects of APP education information intervention on the needs and quality of life of post oral cancer surgery patients, we could improve the quality of life of post oral cancer surgery patients and reduce caring needs. In addition, this study serves as a reference for hospital personnel about post-surgery care.
Biography
Tze-Fang Wang is working as a Associated professor at National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan Tze-Fang Wang research experience includes various programs, contributions and participation in different countries for diverse fields of study. Tze-Fang Wang is a recipient of many awards and grants for valuable contributions and discoveries in major area of research. Tze-Fang Wang research interests lie in Major areas of Study. Tze-Fang Wang is committed to highest standards of excellence and it proves through Tze-Fang Wang work and experience.
E-mail: fang@ym.edu.tw
