A Mobile Application for Childhood Cancer Survivorship Care: A Cross Sectional Survey Study

Abstract

The population of childhood cancer survivors (CCS) is growing, along with the number of CCS who will experience physiological and psychosocial late effects from their prior cancer treatments. Educational interventions need to be developed to increase engagement, ownership of health practices and knowledge to better prepare adolescent-and young adult-aged CCS for the transition to health care as adults. In a program evaluation effort, 140 childhood cancer survivors (or their parents) of all ages receiving care in a structured childhood cancer survivor program (CCSP) were surveyed about their preferences and expectations for a mobile application as part of their routine survivor-focused care. Respondents reported great willingness in using such an app and incorporating its use to receive educational messages related to several aspects of their care. Incorporated within a longterm follow-up program, apps have the potential to support CCS in their life-long educational journey. Benefits may include supporting coordination of their clinical care, continuous educational interventions, and connections among survivors, both with clinicians, researchers, and the broader cancer community.