JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Lung cancer contributes to mortality as well as morbidity. The physical pain and symptoms , along with fear of disease related stigma can be emotionally burdening. Emotional problems are vital consideration and need to be addressed through Emotional wellbeing counseling interventions. Digital Therapeutics (DTx) is one such approach which has a potential role in addressing these problems providing 24/7 access to tools and resources at patient’s fingertips to help them better manage their disease in-between medical appointments.

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of a digital therapeutics based patient support intervention on symptom burden, Quality of life and emotional wellbeing of patients with Lung cancer.

Methods:

This was a feasibility trial (Pilot study) .This trial consisted of a patient support program which included CBT interventions that were done remotely through Wellthy Care digital therapeutics platform. The present trial included 30 users who were diagnosed with Lung Cancer (NSCLC and SCLC) on the Wellthy DTx platform. FACT-LCS , Wellthy Health Related Quality of life (WHRQoL),WHO-5 Well-Being Scale was administered to assess symptom burden,emotional wellbeing and quality of life .Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, version 21. p value < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Mean age of the participants was 54.72±9.99. The patients had an improvement in emotional wellbeing mean scores from baseline(7.08± 2.93) to follow-up (13.57±5.23).The average LCS scores of patients at baseline is 15.33 and at endline is 20.5 . At the end of the trial 54.55% ,47.83% ,71.4%of the population improved on their symptom burden,quality of life ,emotional wellbeing respectively from their baseline . Paired T test witnessed a significant improvement in scores from baseline to follow up in symptoms like shortness of breath ,cough ,appetite ,tightness in chest with a significance of p<0.05. Out of the total participants, 71.4% improved on their emotional wellbeing scores from their baseline, 14.3% stayed at the same score and remaining 14.3% reduced on their score. There was a significant difference between baseline and final follow up wellbeing scores( p<.05).

Conclusions:

High Symptom burden is a prognostic indicator for poor clinical outcome and is a major challenge for cancer patients, HCPs as well as caregivers. This study confirms improvement in symptom burden,Quality of life and emotional wellbeing through application of Wellthy Care PSP. Real-time feedback on patient symptoms with continuous coaching and interventions is essential for the achievement of improved outcomes even at late stage disease. Digital solutions provide growing evidence in improving patient’s clinical and health economic end points and addressing the symptom burden provides a revolutionary impact on outcomes for Lung Cancer patients.