KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The study aimed to assess the content of a melanoma prevention and care application.
- The results demonstrated that mobile applications are crucial in disease management, facilitating health service delivery, and reducing costs.
Skin cancer ranks among the most prevalent forms of cancer, with melanoma standing out as the most fatal type. Given the notable impact of mobile health interventions on disease management, exploring their potential in addressing skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is crucial.
Elham Ataee and the team aimed to ascertain the content of a mobile application designed for melanoma prevention and care.
The study was conducted in three stages, commencing with an initial phase focused on identifying application features through searches across PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. Subsequently, the content of melanoma-related information was determined by sourcing articles and guidelines. Lastly, a survey involving 51 experts was conducted through targeted sampling to validate the researcher-developed questionnaire. Analysis of the gathered data ensued thereafter.
The results revealed a common inclusion of demographic and clinical data and melanoma prevention training in the reviewed applications. However, features such as patient reminders were less frequently integrated. Key data elements emphasized in the analyzed articles encompassed age, gender, history of sunburn, skin color, cancer history, exposure to ultraviolet rays, and skin care practices.
The content of the melanoma prevention and care application was categorized into three overarching sections that were demographic and clinical information along with melanoma risk factors, educational needs, and functionalities and features for prevention and care. Expert survey findings indicated a high approval rate, with 81% for Section 1, 80% for Section 2, and 91% for Section 3.
The study concluded that mobile applications play a crucial role in disease management, facilitating the delivery of health services and reducing associated costs. A melanoma prevention and care application could serve as a valuable tool in patient education, ultimately improving disease management in prevention and care, especially during the current crisis.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38415525/
Ataee E, Shirkhoda M, Nahvijou A, et al. (2024). “Determining the Content of a Melanoma Prevention and Care Mobile Application for Melanoma Patients: A Survey Study.” Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2024 Feb 1;25(2):409-418. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.2.409. PMID: 38415525.
