Affiliations: [a] Nursing Department, Medical School, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China | [b] Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia | [c] Breast Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Sally Wai-Chi Chan, Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, RW1-39, Richardson Wing, Callaghan, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia. Tel.: +61 2 4921 7873; Fax: +61 2 4921 6301; E-mail:Sally.Chan@newcastle.edu.au
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy
experience a variety of physical and psychosocial symptoms, which have
negative effect on women's quality of life and psychological well-being.
Although M-health technologies provides innovative and easily accessible
option to provide psychosocial support, mobile phone based interventions
remain limited for these women in China. OBJECTIVE: To develop a new mobile application to offer information
as well as social and emotional support to women with breast cancer
undergoing chemotherapy to promote their self-efficacy and social support,
thus improving symptom management strategies. METHODS: Basing on previous theoretical framework which
incorporated Bandura's self-efficacy theory and the social exchange theory,
a new mobile application, called Breast Cancer e-Support Program (BCS) was
designed, with the content and functionality being validated by the expert
panel and women with breast cancer. RESULTS: BCS App program has four modules: 1) Learning forum; 2)
Discussion forum; 3) Ask-the-Expert forum; and 4) Personal Stories forum.
BCS program can be applied on both android mobile phones and iPhones to
reach more women. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first of its kind developed in
China for women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. A randomized
controlled trial is undertaking to test the effectiveness of BCS program.
Keywords: M-health, mobile phone, application, breast cancer, chemotherapy, symptom management
