Testing the Feasibility of a Virtual Application to Support Breast and Colorectal Cancer Survivors
Researchers are looking into how useful and easy to use a new app is for people who have finished their main treatment for breast or bowel cancer. This app, created with Seamless MD, is designed to be a central place for information, giving survivors reliable advice about their follow-up care. It also points them to other relevant health services and community programmes. The main goal is to help survivors talk openly about their needs after cancer treatment and to give them the right information and support. The study will involve giving participants access to the app for six months and gathering their feedback through questionnaires and interviews.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine having a helpful guide right on your phone or tablet after finishing your cancer treatment. That's what this study is all about! Researchers are testing a new app for people who have completed their main treatment for breast or bowel cancer. The aim is to see if this app can make it easier to get the right information and support during this important time.
The app is designed to be a central point where you can find reliable and up-to-date information about your follow-up care. It also helps you discover local health services and community groups that might be useful. The people behind the app want to make sure cancer survivors feel supported and have all the information they need to manage their health after treatment. It's a way to encourage clear communication about what to expect after cancer.
This study will test the app in two cancer centres in Canada, but the findings could help people in the UK too. They want to find out if the app is practical to use and if survivors and healthcare staff find it helpful. They'll be asking people who use the app and their doctors for their thoughts to make sure it meets their needs effectively.
Key takeaways
- This study tests a new app for breast and bowel cancer survivors.
- The app offers information and support after finishing main treatment.
- Participation involves using the app for six months and completing questionnaires.
- This research focuses on whether the app is useful and easy to use.
- The study is currently being run in Canada, but the findings could help others.
- You must have finished treatment between 6 months and 5 years ago to be eligible.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be an adult over 18 years old and able to understand the study details and agree to participate yourself.
You should have been diagnosed with stage 1, 2, or 3 breast or bowel cancer. You must also have finished your main cancer treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, at least 6 months ago but no more than 5 years ago.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been treated for stage 1, 2, or 3 breast or bowel cancer?
- Did you finish your main cancer treatment (like surgery, chemo, or radiotherapy) at least 6 months ago?
- Did you finish your main cancer treatment no more than 5 years ago?
- Can you understand information and give your consent to take part?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you will get access to the special app for six months. During this time, you will be asked to fill out some questionnaires through the app. You'll complete these when you start the study, then after 3 months (90 days), and again after 6 months (180 days). Some participants, and also some doctors and nurses, will be asked to have a chat (what they call a 'semi-structured interview') to share their thoughts and experiences with the app in more detail. This will help the researchers understand if the app is useful and acceptable.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Saint John Regional HospitalVerified postcodeSaint John, Canada· Not yet recruiting
- Centre for Clinical Research QEII Health Sciences CentreVerified postcodeHalifax, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What kind of cancer survivors is this app for?
This app is for people who have finished their main treatment for breast cancer or bowel (colorectal) cancer.
What does the app actually do?
The app acts as a central place to find reliable information about your follow-up care and to connect you with helpful health services and community programs.
How long would I use the app for in the study?
If you take part, you would have access to the app for a period of six months.
Will I have to go to hospital appointments for the study?
No, this study is about using a virtual app and answering questionnaires. You won't need to attend extra hospital appointments specifically for the study.
Is this app available to everyone in the UK now?
No, this is a research study to test the app's usefulness in Canada. It's not currently available for general use in the UK, but the findings could help develop similar tools in the future.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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