JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The use of self-monitoring devices for is promising for improving perioperative physical activity and nutritional intake.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess feasibility, usability and acceptability of a physical activity tracker and digital food record in patients scheduled for colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods:

This observational cohort study was conducted at a large training hospital between November 2019 and 2020 in colorectal cancer patients between 18-75 years old who were able to use a smartphone or tablet. Excluded were; patients i) not mentally competent; ii) not proficient in Dutch; iii) not planned for elective surgery; or iv) following a protein-restricted diet. Participants used an activity tracker (Fitbit Charge 3™) from 4 weeks before until 6 weeks after surgery. In the week before surgery (preoperative) and the fifth week after surgery (postoperative), participants also used a food record for one week. They shared their experience regarding usability [System Usability Scale, range 0 to 100] and acceptability [Net Promoter Score, range -100 to +100].

Results:

28 patients were included (57% male, age 61±8 years), 27 shared their experience. Scores regarding the activity tracker were: preoperative median System Usability Score 85 (IQR: 73-90) and Net Promoter Score +65. Postoperative 78 (IQR: 68-85) and +67, respectively. The Net Promoter Scores regarding the food record were preoperative +37 and postoperative -7.

Conclusions:

The perioperative use of a physical activity tracker is considered feasible, usable and acceptable by colorectal cancer patients in this study. Preoperative the use of a digital food record was acceptable, postoperatively acceptability decreased.