MP79-10 A SMARTPHONE-BASED MOBILE HEALTH APP TO ADDRESS THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF ANDROGEN DEPRIVATION THERAPY IN MEN WITH PROSTATE CANCER

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Herein we describe our experience in development of a mobile health app to address metabolic and cognitive effects for men treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer, followed by pilot testing with physicians and men initiating ADT. METHODS: The mobile health app was designed and developed by an independent contractor allowing patient data to be stored at hospital servers. It allows for tracking of food intake and exercise. Pilot testing took place in March 2019. A sample of 5 physicians who treat prostate cancer, and 5 patients initiating ADT, aged 45-75 were recruited for a focus group discussion based on availability and willingness to participate. A research coordinator followed a preestablished IRB-approved script. Themes were identified through review of transcripts by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: The current version of the mobile health requires patients to record and track their daily exercises and food intake. Participants are able to rate their food as 'unhealthy' (red), 'adequately healthy' (yellow), and 'healthy' (green). The app generates a line chart of their average exercise time per week, as well as a pie chart of the proportion of healthy food. In addition to data collection, researchers can perform survey assessments as well as chart reviews, which can be merged with in-app data. Pilot testing in semi-structured qualitative interviews revealed themes of appreciation for the holistic care of the patient and ease of use. Difficulties with finding emailed link and downloading occurred with 3/5, however all were able to use the program once downloaded. Providers felt that the app was easy to use however several raised concerns about usability among older men who do not commonly use smartphone apps (See Table). CONCLUSIONS: The mobile health app was successfully developed and underwent heuristic evaluation in semi-structured interviewers by small groups of providers and patients. Themes of appreciation for holistic care of the patient were identified, however low familiarity with smartphone apps and difficulties with the download process were seen in some. (Table Presented).