Presentation
Feasibility of a text messaging intervention to promote symptom management and medication adherence for patients prescribed oral anti-cancer agents
Oncology Nursing Society
(2015)
Abstract
Significance: When taking oral anti-cancer agents (OAs), patients need to manage symptoms so that they do not become so severe that it leads to reducing or stopping the medication, rendering the cancer treatment ineffective.
Problem & Purpose: Cancer rates are increasing, as is the number of cancer patients treated with OAs. Therapeutic effect of the cancer treatment may depend on medication adherence. The purpose of this paper is to report on proof-of-concept and preliminary efficacy of a mHealth intervention using text messages to improve symptom management and medication adherence among cancer patients prescribed OAs.
Framework: Principles of Self-Efficacy Theory underpinned the intervention for this study.
Methods: Eighty patients were enrolled inarandomized controlled trial at two community cancer centers and a large specialty pharmacy. The intervention group received text messages timed to their medication regimen for up to 28 days for adherence and weekly for symptom management. Data were collected on adherence and symptoms weekly for 10 weeks in both groups and on satisfaction with the text messages after the completion of the intervention.
Findings: Mean age was 58.5 years (standard deviation=10.7), 60% (n=48) female, 84% (n=67) Caucasian, 11% (n=9) African American, and 8% (n=6) Hispanic. Of eligible, 57.2% (83 of 145) consented. A total of 1,359 text messages were sent, with 98% (n=39) completing the intervention, 86% (n=30) reading all the messages, 95% (n=38) were highly satisfied, and 94% (n=34) found messages helpful. The text message group had fewer symptoms (3.86, standard error [SE] 0.05 to 5.26, SE 0.46), a moderate effect size (ES 0.50). Relative Dose Intensity was greater in text message group, with a moderate to large ES (0.62). Physical function was better in the text message group (47.6, SE 1.2 to 44.9, SE 1.1; a moderate ES 0.40).
Implications: Proof-of-concept of text messages to promote symptom management and medication adherence for patients prescribed OAs was demonstrated. Text messages were feasible, with most patients reading the text messages and having high satisfaction. Text messages show promise for cancer patients who must adhere to OAs and manage symptoms. Additional research is needed prior to use in practice.
Disciplines
Publication Date
Summer 2015
Citation Information
Sandra Spoelstra. "Feasibility of a text messaging intervention to promote symptom management and medication adherence for patients prescribed oral anti-cancer agents" Oncology Nursing Society (2015) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/sandra-spoelstra/29/