Co-design of a mobile app prototype to manage CRCI (v1.0)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Co-design and development of a mobile app prototype for the management of cancer-related cognitive impairment in individuals with breast cancer.
IRAS ID
351858
Contact name
Maryam Ibrar
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Strathclyde
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 28 days
Research summary
Prototype Co-Design and Development of an App for Breast Cancer Survivors to manage CRCI.
Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment (CRCI), or "chemo brain," affects memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, significantly impacting cancer survivors’ daily lives. Despite its challenges, there is no standardised treatment, and existing support lacks personalisation.
What is an App Prototype
An app prototype is an early version of an app that allows users to test its features before full development. This study aims to develop an app designed to manage CRCI in people with breast cancer with direct input from cancer survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals (HCPs). The goal is to ensure the prototype app is practical, user-friendly, and meets real needs.
Co-Design Workshops
Involving users in the design process, ensures the prototype app is effective and relevant. The study consists of workshops and focus groups over 2-3 months, refining the prototype through user feedback.
Inclusion criteria:
• Aged 18+
• English-speaking
• Willing to participate in workshops
• Breast cancer survivors who have completed treatment
• Experiencing CRCI
• Cancer HCPs or caregivers
Co-Design Workshops
Cancer survivors will take part in the following workshops:
1. Understanding Needs: Identifying key challenges of CRCI through questionnaires and discussions.
2. Early App Design: Reviewing the app’s layout, usability, and accessibility.
3. Refining the Prototype: Testing a more polished version for navigation, usability, and missing features.
4. Feature Prioritisation: Users help finalise the most essential features.
Usability Testing
Survivors, HCPs, and caregivers will test the prototype in 3 focus groups. They will assess how easy it is to navigate, complete key tasks, and provide feedback on design improvements.Impact
Recruitment begins in Spring 2025, with study completion aim Summer 2025. This patient-centred approach ensures the final prototype is both usable and effective for real-world application. The results will inform future development and larger feasibility testing, paving the way for a scalable solution to help cancer survivors manage CRCI more effectively.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0129
Date of REC Opinion
14 May 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion