Effect on physical and psychosocial adaptation of mobile application developed for gynaecological cancer patients receiving chemotherapy

This study aimed to develop a mobile application to increase physical and psychosocial adaptation in gynaecologic cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and to investigate its effectiveness. The study had a parallel, single-blind, randomized controlled experimental design. Patients were contacted using the social media networks of a cancer-related association with a large number of members/followers. Block randomization was performed to ensure an equal number of patients in intervention (n=32) and control (n=32) groups. The intervention group used the JineOnkolojik Destek mobile application, while the control group received standard care. Data were collected with a descriptive characteristics form, The M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory, The Adaptation to Chronic Diseases Scale, The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, The Assessment of Survivor Concerns and The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status. The intervention lasted eight weeks, and three follow-ups were conducted: baseline, first follow-up and second follow-up. At baseline, the intervention and control groups were similar regarding demographic and clinical characteristics. Symptom severity, anxiety, depression risk and cancer-related concerns decreased, and physical, social and psychological adaptation increased in the intervention group after the intervention. Gynaecologic cancer patients receiving chemotherapy should be provided with care and support through mobile applications to increase their physical and psychosocial adaptation.