Using SMS technology to improve quality of life and symptom management in the breast cancer patient population: A feasibility study.

person Tracy Fulton Scripps Health, San Marcos, CA info_outline Tracy Fulton, Laura Lettkeman, Thomas A. Buchholz

Authors person Tracy Fulton Scripps Health, San Marcos, CA info_outline Tracy Fulton, Laura Lettkeman, Thomas A. Buchholz Organizations Scripps Health, San Marcos, CA, Scripps Health, La Jolla, CA, Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center, San Diego, CA Abstract Disclosures Research Funding Institutional Funding Scripps Health Foundation Background: Cancer patients experience a wide range of negative side effects/symptoms from chemotherapy and radiation including pain, dehydration, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea/constipation. Symptoms are distressing and decrease the overall quality of life and increase unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency visits. Symptom management and quality of life may be improved by using Short Message System (SMS) texting in cardiac and diabetic patient populations. The technology may also decrease costs for unnecessary emergency department (ED) visits by breast cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if an SMS texting service can improve quality of life by improving symptom management. A secondary purpose was to evaluate if texting decreases emergency visits by breast cancer patients. Methods: This IRB-approved, consented study implemented an SMS texting program for breast cancer patients. Participants received two texts per day during their chemotherapy treatment period (6 months), one text being informational regarding symptom management and the second was one of encouragement and inspiration. Participants were called bi-weekly to complete the Distress Thermometer for Patients (NCCN). ED visits and/or hospital admission rates for the sample were collected. An exit interview measured satisfaction with the program in quantitative measures and theme analysis for qualitative measures. Twenty patients participated in this study, with 13 included in the data analysis. Results: SMS texting provided a change in treatment for symptom management in 40% of patients. Overall satisfaction with the SMS program was at the 89 th percentile. Almost all participants felt supported and cared for due to bi-weekly calls by the investigators. Only 10% of the participants visited the emergency department, which is lower than historical averages. Data concerning the distress thermometer proved to be non-informative. Conclusions: SMS texting is feasible and easily integrated into the care of breast cancer patients. Texting technology may provide engagement with the care team leading to changes and improvement in symptom management during chemotherapy treatment. Further study of texting technology providing interactive abilities for patient-reported outcomes is warranted.