iCanCope With NF: Innovating an Efficacious Digital Self-management and Transitional Care Program for Adolescents With Neurofibromatosis

iCanCope With NF: Innovating an Efficacious Digital Self-management and Transitional Care Program for Adolescents With Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) often significantly impairs the mental health, social life, self-esteem, and quality of life of adolescent patients. These impacts can be made worse with the experience of NF1-related pain. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of caregivers report that pain interferes with their child's daily functioning, including their mental health, activity, sleep, relationships, and school attendance. Our team has developed the first mobile self-management platform app for adults with NF1-related pain, called iCanCope with NF. It is designed to help people to track their pain, sleep, mood, exercise, and energy level. It helps them set goals, gives suggestions about how to deal with NF1-related pain, and connects them with other individuals living with NF. The goal of this project is to test out a modified version of iCanCope with NF, for youth.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with NF1
• Experience of NF1-related pain or discomfort that interfered with function over the past 2 weeks
• Able to speak and read English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Moderate to severe cognitive impairments that would prevent independent use the iCanCope intervention, as determined through consultation with their health care provider