The impact of a continuous care model utilizing a smartphone application on quality of life and anxiety levels among gynecologic cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Patients diagnosed with gynecological cancers often face a range of complications that can impact their quality of life and increase their anxiety. Nursing models combined with mobile phone applications have the potential to improve outcomes for these patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of a continuous care model utilizing a smartphone application on quality of life and anxiety levels among gynecologic cancer patients.

METHODS

This study involved two phases: (1) mobile App development and (2) implementation of the intervention. The two-group randomized controlled trial included 70 participants with gynecological cancers referred to medical centers affiliated with Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in 2023. The participants were randomized into control or intervention groups (n = 35 per group). Finally, 68 patients completed the trial. The intervention group received an 8-week intervention incorporating the continuous care model, whereas the control group received routine care (the standard support provided by nurses both during and after hospitalization). The participants completed the Spielberger state-trait anxiety and quality of life (QLQ-C30) questionnaires before, immediately after, and two months after the intervention. The data were analyzed via the chi-square test, independent samples t test, analysis of covariance, and repeated-measures ANOVA.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the baseline data between the two groups. However, after the intervention, the intervention group reported a significant increase in quality of life, with mean scores rising from 68.90 ± 17.50 to 73.78 ± 16.79 immediately after the intervention and to 80.61 ± 9.90 at the two-month follow-up. In contrast, the control group showed no significant improvement. Additionally, state anxiety significantly decreased in the intervention group from 51.64 ± 14.97 to 40.20 ± 11.70 at the follow-up, and trait anxiety scores in the intervention group decreased significantly from 49.91 ± 14.96 to 39.82 ± 10.28 at the follow-up, whereas the scores of the control group worsened.

CONCLUSION

The intervention improved quality of life and reduced anxiety in patients with gynecological cancers. Given the scant attention given to mobile application-based follow-up in gynecologic cancer patients in previous studies, this approach can be incorporated into routine care to support patients, and it is recommended for nurses, health care providers, and physicians.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered as a randomized controlled trial in the Clinical Trial Registration Center of Iran. Registration Date: 2024-02-14, Registration Number: IRCT20231107059977N1.