The Effect of the Mobile Application-based Support Program on the Outcomes of Breast Cancer Patients in the Pandemic

Breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer in the world. Cancer itself and chemotherapy treatment, which is one of the most important treatment steps, may cause unwanted physical, social and psychological effects (symptoms) for the patient. These effects significantly affect the patient's quality of life. It is possible to manage the symptoms and reduce their destructive effects with professional care and treatment support that includes evidence-based practices. On the other hand, breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy during the Coronavirus Pandemic form the risk group in terms of infection; On the one hand, the continued treatment and care support, on the other hand, required changes in the approach to the patient in order to reduce the risk of infection. In addition to reducing the risk of infection, mobile applications can create an alternative during the coronavirus Pandemic. process in order to maintain quality and uninterrupted care and treatment. This study is planned to be conducted analytically in a randomized controlled single-blind pattern in order to determine the effect of the interactive nurse support program developed with the mobile application on the patient outcomes (symptom management, quality of life, social support perception and anxiety) in breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy during the coronavirus pandemic. Within the scope of the study, interactive nurse support developed with mobile application will be applied to the research group from patients who apply to the polyclinic to receive chemotherapy treatment, and the control group will receive standard care. As a result of the analysis of the data collected systematically with forms and scales, the effect of the interactive nurse support program developed with the mobile application on patient outcomes (symptom management, quality of life, social support perception and anxiety) will be evaluated and recommendations will be made regarding the use of the application in patients with breast cancer.

Inclusion Criteria:Being 18 years or older,Volunteering to participate in the research,Having been diagnosed with breast cancer (Stage 0,1,2),Being able to understand and speak Turkish,ECOG performance scale score of 0, 1 and 2Being literateOwning a mobile phone with Android or iphone operating system processor and using the phone effectivelyReceiving chemotherapy treatment for the first timeExclusion Criteria:Refusal to participate in the research,Diagnosing metastatic breast cancer (Stage 3,4),Receiving simultaneous radiotherapy or biotherapy with chemotherapy,Having visual, auditory or mental problems,Having a psychiatric diagnosis,Those who have received chemotherapy beforeECOG performance scale score of 3 and 4,Taking part in another research that will affect the research results