JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Physiotherapy-led home rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery can protect against the development of upper limb dysfunction and other disabling post consequences of surgery. A variety of barriers can limit physical rehabilitation outcomes, and patients may benefit from more support during this time. MHealth systems can assist patients during rehabilitation through providing exercise support, biofeedback and information. Before designing mHealth systems for a specific population, developers must first engage with users to understand their experiences and needs.

Objective:

The aim of this study was, firstly, to explore patients’ rehabilitation experiences and unmet needs during home rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery and, secondly, to understand their experiences of mHealth technology and the requirements they desire from an mHealth system.

Methods:

This was the first stage of a user-centered design process for an mHealth system. We interviewed ten breast cancer survivors under the two main topics of ‘Rehabilitation’ and ‘Technology’ and performed a thematic analysis on the interview data.

Results:

Discussions on rehabilitation focused on acute and long-term consequences of surgery; unmet needs and lack of support; self-driven rehabilitation; and visions for high quality rehabilitation. Regarding technology, participants reported a lack of mHealth for this clinical context and using non-cancer specific applications and wearables. Participants requested an mHealth tool from a reliable source which provides exercise support.

Conclusions:

There are unmet needs surrounding access to physiotherapy, information and support during home rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery which could be addressed with an mHealth system. Breast cancer survivors are open to using an mHealth system and require that it comes from a reliable source and focuses on supporting exercise performance.