The oncology family app, an electronic mobile application providing families with cancer care information at their fingertips

Abstract

Background/Objectives: To assist families navigate the complexities of their child's cancer care, 'The Oncology Family App', an electronic mobile application (app) was released in November 2015 by the Queensland Paediatric Palliative Care, Haematology and Oncology Network (QPPHON.) The app is freely available on mobile devices such as computer tablets and smart phones. Design/Methods: The development of the app was informed by valuable input and suggestions from consumers as to features most useful for families. 6 family caregivers of a child with cancer tested the app during development before it was refined and formally rolled out. The app was designed to provide key information for families, including: • an emergency management plan (what to do in response to clinical signs and symptoms.) • a state-wide directory of 24 hour contact phone numbers; non-emergency contacts; hospital address details and maps to the nearest QPPHON hospital. • table to record blood counts. • the ability to record appointments and allied health contacts. • free text allowing a personal medical 'diary'. • resources list. • ability for consumer feedback. Results: During the first 3 months after the release, 306 downloads were recorded with feedback obtained using a survey in the app. Statements from families include: “The app is a musthave for all paediatric oncology families” and “I hopemy teenager will take more responsibility in their care and use it too”. Conclusion: The app will continue to be refined and developed, with a second phase planned to include: evidence based resources in a 'book shelf' format; the improved ability to set appointment reminders and the ability to synchronise multiple devices in the same household. The app has the potential to improve the experiences of oncology families through easy and immediate accessibility to clinical information on their mobile device. The app can be customised for other health facilities, leading and informing future technology for oncology families internationally.L6125932942016-11-11 <br />