Effects of Telemonitoring in Quality of Life Amongst Cancer Patients

Effects in Quality of Life of a Telemonitoring Platform Amongst Patients With Cancer: A Randomized Trial

This interventional study aims to explore the potential of a smartphone app, Contigo, in enhancing the quality of life for patients with various cancers compared to standard care. The investigators will asses effects on quality of life, depressive symptoms, and appointment adherence.

The primary objective of this study is to determine if utilizing a smartphone app for disease monitoring improves the self-reported quality of life using validated questionnaires in patients with diverse solid cancers compared to standard care. Secondary objectives focused on evaluating its impact on depressive symptoms and assessing adherence to in-person appointments. This study involves a randomized trial among patients recently diagnosed with specific forms of cancer and undergoing curative treatment at the UC Christus Cancer Center. The eligible participants, 80 adults with recent histologically confirmed cancer diagnoses, will be randomized to receive either the smartphone application (Contigo) or standard educational care. Randomization will be performed independently using an allocation sequence that will be kept concealed from clinical investigators. Contigo offers two primary functions: monitoring cancer patients and delivering educational content to aid patients in dealing with common clinical situations related to their disease. The study will assess outcomes such as quality of life changes, depressive symptom development, and adherence to in-person appointments. All analyses will be undertaken under the intention to treat principle by a statistician unaware of treatment allocation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients (>18 years old).
• Recent histologically confirmed diagnosis (within the last 3 months) of bronchogenic, breast, gallbladder, gastric, colorectal, or prostate cancer in any of its forms.
• Awaiting initiation of curative intent treatment for the disease using any modality (radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc.) at the UC-Christus Cancer Center.
• Possession of a smartphone, regardless of its native operating system (iOS® or Android®).
• Willingness to sign an informed consent form to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any form of sensory impairment preventing app usage.
• Cognitive impairment.
• Psychiatric pathology hindering app usage.
• Unwillingness to participate in the study.
• Concurrent participation in another clinical trial addressing healthcare technologies.