A Feasibility Study on Using Tablet Personal Computers for Self-reported Symptom Assessment in Newly Diagnosed Lung Cancer Patients

Aim: The study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an innovative tablet-assisted self-reported symptom assessment among newly diagnosed lung cancer patients.

Background: Routine symptom assessment for lung cancer patients in a fast-paced clinical environment is demanding. Mobile health technology offers a potential platform for symptom assessment and paves the way for tailored self-care intervention.

Design: A feasibility study using a mixed method design.

Method: A convenience sample of 10 newly diagnosed lung cancer patients used tablet personal computers to self-report common symptoms: dyspnoea, fatigue, pain, and anxiety. A nurse reviewed the assessment results and provided tailored educational interventions. Acceptability was evaluated by the Electronic Self-Report Assessment-Cancer. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the patients' perceptions of this symptom assessment method. Data were collected from January to March 2016.

Results: An Electronic Self-Report Assessment-Cancer mean score of 23.5 (SD 2.7) showed moderate acceptance of the assessment method. Participants found this approach user-friendly and helpful in identifying their symptoms and they gained awareness and better understanding of them.

Conclusion: Tablet-assisted symptom assessment is a feasible method that can be further tested in busy clinical settings to assess symptom burden and identify individual needs for tailoring symptom management plans.