Mobile information systems for improving the human situation
of adolescent cancer patients
of adolescent cancer patients
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Lehrstuhl für Wirtschaftsinformatik (I17) Technische Universität München Boltzmannstr. 3 85748 Garching |
Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin Kinderheilkunde III, Abteilung Onkologie, Hämatologie, Immunologie, OnkoKids Online Im Neuenheimer Feld 153 69120 Heidelberg |
Brief description
OnkoConnect is a joint research project of the Technische Universität München, chair for information systems (Munich, Germany), the University Paediatric Clinic Heidelberg, department for pediatric oncology, haematology and immunology (Heidelberg, Germany),and Onkokids Online (Heidelberg, Germany).OnkoConnect aims to explore how mobile information systems can support adolescent cancer patients, how coping processes can be positively influenced by making use of technologies and by this contribute to an increase in patients` quality of life. Thus objectives of the project are to facilitate communication between patients and their social environment during all periods of medical treatment and aftercare, to promote cooperation and compliance with medical attendants and carers, to optimize patients` self organization and to encourage them to accept more personal responsibility.
After a first analysis of the situation of the adolescent cancer patients, they were equipped with mobile devices (Smartphones). Using standard software, these devices enabled the patients to coordinate appointments and tasks, to keep a pain diary and to access several information and communication services like e-mail, chat, web and other internet services. Based on the findings in this project phase, a mobile patient assistance system (MPAS) was designed, implemented and tested in close cooperation with patients and hospital staff, meeting the specific needs of the target group (adolescent cancer patients). MPAS reminds the patients to take their medication, invites them to protocol their state of health in disease-specific questionnaires and enables them to get a better picture of the course of their disease. Error rates due to misunderstandings or lack of accuracy can be reduced. For the hospital staff, the patients`electronic documentation stored in the MPAS provides more accurate, reliable and valid data to support treatment decisions and allow further analysis in medical studies. The test participants` feedback is continuously documented and will be incorporated into the further development of the system.
After about 18 months of research, the feedback collected across all participant groups is positive. It becomes apparent that the use of mobile information systems contributes to an improvement of the patients` situation. The empirical basis of the results allows the deduction of promising design concepts for the future use of information systems for special patient groups.