Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and certain racial/ethnic groups, such as African American men, are disproportionately affected. Treatment for clinically localized PCa can cause physical and functional problems like bowel, urinary and sexual dysfunction, as well as emotional symptoms such as anxiety, uncertainty and fear. Although not entirely avoidable, many of these negative aftereffects may be prevented or lessened through patient initiated behaviors. Symptom monitoring and self management (SMSM) support programs may increase access and utilization of needed supportive care and help men gain a greater sense of personal efficacy to address some of the associated difficulties of PCa.
Objective: To present patient focus group and expert survey findings that are the basis of a novel information technology-based application to increase access and utilization of self-care and symptom management in clinically localized PCa.
Study Design: We are currently developing culturally tailored multimedia-assisted self management interventions for bowel, urinary, sexual and anxiety domains based on a literature review, expert survey and patient focus groups. We are also using patient reported outcome measures of bowel, urinary and sexual function and anxiety for weekly symptom monitoring activity. Following this first study phase, we will beta test this system with a diverse sample of community end-users and pilot the new system in medical and community clinics with men representing primary PCa treatment approaches for localized disease (n=100). Over a 4 week period, participants will receive a weekly email with a link to complete brief self report questions on treatment side effects and disease symptoms. When a patient's scores surpass a designated severity cut-point in a given area, a multimedia-assisted self management intervention will be triggered. Participants will be able to read, listen to or watch interventions in real time or download them for later use.
Cancer Disparities Relevance: The proposed work can benefit men diagnosed with PCa gain increased access to utilization of important supportive care services though leveraging an innovative, culturally tailored information technology application. This study will offer new information on the feasibility, acceptance, and preliminary effectiveness of a patient-centered, internet-based system to provide real-time SMSM support during and following treatment.
Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B96.
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