JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Lately an increasing trend towards mobile health services in the care of oncology patients can be observed. Accompanying scientific research is required already in the development phase of mobile health services in order to meet the different needs of patients.

Objective:

Following an exploratory approach, we conducted a qualitative needs assessment during the development of a clinic app, intending to support healthcare for oncology patients in Germany.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 oncology patients. Interviews were evaluated by content analysis.

Results:

A hierarchical category system emerged. Patients saw as well benefits such as better knowledge of disease to be relieving as well as concerns about the app such as data security and less personal contact with practitioners. Demands for additional app features were found such as list of contact persons and medication management. Aspects such as design and communication about the app should be considered to support acceptance and usability.

Conclusions:

Patients’ wishes and concerns were revealed in our qualitative needs assessment and can be used in the development of our clinic app. Patients seem to be open-minded towards a mHealth extension of their cancer treatment. The app addresses several potentially unmet needs in the clinical context. The interviews revealed a tension between patients’ desire for personalized information on the one side and privacy concerns on the other side. The app should not replace personal contact with health care personnel but instead be an additional service.