The development of an app for exercises after breast cancer surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development and field-testing of a mobile application for self-management of exercises after breast cancer surgery
IRAS ID
161987
Contact name
Helena Harder
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Brighton & Sussex Medical School
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Surgery and radiotherapy to the lymph nodes under the arm are thought to cause acute and chronic breast pain, tenderness and arm and shoulder impairments in up to 60% of patients with breast cancer. This can have debilitating and long-lasting effects on everyday life. Early postoperative exercises have shown to be effective in reducing these problems. Advice on exercise is routinely given to patients, but most find it difficult to continue with exercise routines at home on their own, and supervised exercise programmes are usually not available. Recent developments in mobile technology such as smartphone/tablet applications (apps), have shown to be promising in improving outcomes for many health conditions. There are currently around 300 cancer apps on the market, however most only raise awareness or provide information about cancer and do not focus on exercise. Also, most health apps are not tested in patients, not developed by health care professionals or academics, or based on clinical guidelines.
Our study aims to develop and test an app with breast cancer survivors and health care professionals/academics that will help with the recovery after surgery. During the first study phase, the app will be developed together with 10 breast cancer survivors. We will ask patients who have finished their treatment to participate in three group meetings (focus groups) to discuss the different stages of this process and use their feedback to build and refine the app.REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1797
Date of REC Opinion
1 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion