The LifeChamps Feasibility Study

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The LifeChamps digital platform to enhance integration of supportive care for older patients with metastatic breast or prostate cancer: A feasibility study

  • IRAS ID

    323163

  • Contact name

    Grigorios Kotronoulas

  • Contact email

    grigorios.kotronoulas@glasgow.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 3 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    Older adults diagnosed with non-curable, metastatic cancer are living longer due to advancements in medication, but are at risk of poor quality of life and age-related limitations. The need for improved supportive care for older adults with cancer has already been identified. Technology can offer such support, however currently no specific technology is available for older adults with cancer.

    Here, we will aim to determine the feasibility of using the 'LifeChamps' platform for older adults with metastatic breast cancer or prostate cancer. The platform consists of digital health devices (i.e. a mobile app, smartwatch, smart scales, home sensors) to collect health data about the patient.

    Eligible patients will be: aged 65 years and above, diagnosed with metastatic breast or prostate cancer, and using an android smartphone. Oncology healthcare professionals will be recruited too. All participants will come from the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

    Duration of involvement will be max 13 weeks. Patients will be asked to: use the mobile app to complete questionnaires on how they are doing; access educational and well-being information; and receive motivational lifestyle messages. Patients will also be provided with a smartwatch to measure steps walked or amount of sleep, and smart scales to measure weight. Home sensors will monitor patients' movement within their home enviroment, not activities.

    Healthcare professionals will view the pseudonymised patient data collected from the patients' digital health devices on the LifeChamps 'dashboard' (installed on an NHS computer). This type of information about patients' health status outside of the clinic is not rountinely available.

    We will investigate if the LifeChamps platform is useable and acceptable by patients. We will also explore healthcare professionals' views about how LifeChamps can enhance supportive care. This study will not replace or affect patients' usual care. Training and support will be provided/offered to all participants.

  • REC name

    East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2

  • REC reference

    23/ES/0003

  • Date of REC Opinion

    31 Jan 2023

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion