Mobile applications for managing symptoms of patients with cancer at home: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Education plays an important role in cancer symptom management for patients and their families. With the advancement of information and communication technology, there may be additional evidence for the use of mobile apps to support patient and family education.

Purpose: The purpose of this review was to explore and synthesize scientific literature about cancer symptom management mobile apps that can be used by patients and their families.

Methods: This review adopted a scoping review study framework, using electronic databases including EBSCO, PubMed, ProQuest, Science Direct, and Google Scholar using search keywords: 'caregiver family', 'mobile application', 'symptom management' and 'palliative care'. Of a total of 2633 papers found, 11 papers were selected.

Findings: Assessment tools are a major component of mobile apps in reporting and assessing symptoms to provide appropriate education. The information in mobile apps is delivered through various mediums that include modules, videos, avatars and cultural integration features.

Conclusion: Mobile apps can improve provision of palliative care in several ways, most importantly by increasing the knowledge of the patient's family to manage cancer symptoms. Nurses are expected to play an active role in finding and utilizing appropriate mobile apps to assist families in managing a patient's symptoms at home.

Keywords: cancer; mobile application; nursing; palliative care; scoping review; symptom management.