Using a Heuristic App to Improve Symptom Self-Management in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2019 04;8(2):131-141
Date
10/26/2018Pubmed ID
30358473DOI
10.1089/jayao.2018.0103Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85064115784 16 CitationsAbstract
PURPOSE: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer need self-management strategies to cope with multiple symptoms. Self-efficacy, self-regulation, and negotiated collaboration are key theoretical components of the self-management process and have not been fully explored with AYAs with cancer. This study examined the effects of a heuristic symptom assessment tool on AYAs' self-efficacy for symptom management, AYAs' self-regulation abilities related to their symptoms, and communication with their providers about symptoms.
METHODS: AYAs (15-29 years of age) receiving chemotherapy used the Computerized Symptom Capture Assessment Tool (C-SCAT) to illustrate their symptom experience and discuss their symptoms with providers during two clinic visits. Participants completed the PROMIS Self-efficacy for Managing Symptoms Scale, a measure of satisfaction with provider communication, and a short interview about self-regulation and communication behaviors at baseline and after each provider visit.
RESULTS: Eighty-five AYAs who used the C-SCAT showed improved self-efficacy for managing symptoms. Qualitative data suggest that the C-SCAT was useful for enhancing a number of AYAs' self-regulation abilities related to symptom management, such as awareness and recall of symptoms, how symptoms were related, and how they planned to talk about their symptoms to providers. AYAs reported C-SCAT facilitated communication with providers about symptoms and symptom management because it was a visual prompt showing priority and related symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: Because AYAs continue to experience multiple distressing symptoms, symptom self-management remains an important area for practice and research. Use of heuristic tools, such as the C-SCAT, may help AYAs more effectively self-manage their symptoms for better health outcomes.
Author List
Erickson JM, Ameringer S, Linder L, Macpherson CF, Elswick RK Jr, Luebke JM, Stegenga KAuthor
Jeanne M. Erickson PhD, RN Associate Professor in the College of Nursing department at University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Communication
Computers, Handheld
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Health Personnel
Heuristics
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Neoplasms
Palliative Care
Physician-Patient Relations
Prognosis
Self Efficacy
Self-Management
Symptom Assessment
Young Adult
