Supporting Lung Cancer Patients With an Interactive Patient Portal: Feasibility Study

• Published in: JMIR cancer Vol. 3; no. 2; p. e10
• Main Authors: Groen, Wim G, Kuijpers, Wilma, Oldenburg, Hester Sa, Wouters, Michel Wjm, Aaronson, Neil K, van Harten, Wim H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada JMIR Publications 08.08.2017
• Subjects: Disease; Empowerment; Feasibility studies; Females; Focus groups; Internet access; Lung cancer; Medical personnel; Original Paper; Patient education; Quality of life; Questionnaires; Sociodemographics; Usability; Web portals; feasibility; non-small cell lung cancer; patient empowerment; patient portal; supportive care; eHealth
• ISSN: 2369-1999; 2369-1999
• DOI: 10.2196/cancer.7443

MyAVL is an interactive portal for cancer patients that aims to support lung cancer patients. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and usability of the patient portal and generate preliminary evidence on its impact. Lung cancer patients currently or recently treated with curative intent could use MyAVL noncommittally for 4 months. Feasibility, usability, and preliminary impact (ie, patient activation, quality of life, and physical activity) were studied by means of questionnaires, a focus group, and analysis of user log data. We included 37 of 123 eligible patients (mean age 59.6 years). The majority of responses (82%) were positive about using MyAVL, 69% saw it as a valuable addition to care, and 56% perceived increased control over their health. No positive effects could be substantiated on the impact measures. MyAVL appears to be a feasible and user-friendly, multifunctional eHealth program for a selected group of lung cancer patients. However, it needs further improvements to positively impact patient outcomes.