Mobile App Education Based on Orem's Self-Care Model in Multiple Myeloma Patients

The Effect of Mobile Application-Based Education Developed According to Orem's Self-Care Model on Enhancing Self-Care Agency in Patients With Multiple Myeloma: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial aims to assess the effectiveness of a mobile application-based education program, developed according to Orem's Self-Care Model, in improving self-care agency and quality of life among patients with multiple myeloma in Turkey. Participants are recruited from the outpatient clinic of a hospital and randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group uses the mobile application for 24 weeks, while the control group continues with routine care and receives a standard one-page brochure commonly distributed to cancer patients. All participants complete a demographic form, the EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-MY20, and the Self-Care Agency Scale at baseline, week 12, and week 24. The collected data will be used to compare changes in self-care agency and quality of life between the two groups over time.

This study was conducted to address the self-care needs of patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a chronic and complex hematologic cancer. Based on Orem's Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory, a mobile application was developed to improve patients' self-care agency and quality of life. The intervention group uses the mobile application for 24 weeks, which includes educational content, self-monitoring features, and motivational messages. The control group receives routine care, which includes standard medical follow-up and a one-page general information brochure commonly provided to cancer patients at the hospital. Self-care agency and quality of life are assessed using the Self-Care Agency Scale, EORTC QLQ-C30, and EORTC QLQ-MY20 at three time points: baseline, week 12, and week 24. The results are expected to contribute to evidence-based self-care interventions for patients with hematologic malignancies.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with multiple myeloma and received at least one course of treatment
• Age 18 or older
• Able to speak and read Turkish
• ECOG performance status of I, II, or III
• Has used at least one Android-based digital tool (e.g., sending text messages, email, using mobile apps)
• Literate (able to read and write)
• Willing to participate and able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not currently diagnosed with multiple myeloma
• Has cognitive or psychological disorders that prevent completing questionnaires or using the mobile application
• Unable to speak or understand Turkish
• Unwilling or unable to provide written informed consent