# Effectiveness of mobile-based monitoring system (ONKOSIS) in the management of chemotherapy-related symptoms: a randomized controlled trial

## TL;DR

A mobile app called ONKOSIS helped cancer patients manage chemotherapy symptoms and improved their quality of life, though it didn't reduce unexpected hospital visits.

## Contribution

The study introduces ONKOSIS, a mobile-based monitoring system, and evaluates its effectiveness in managing chemotherapy-related symptoms.

## Key findings

- The ONKOSIS app improved symptom management and quality of life in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
- Patients using ONKOSIS showed better symptom trajectory over time compared to the control group.
- The app did not reduce unscheduled healthcare visits despite improving patient satisfaction.

## Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of the ONKOSIS mobile application, developed within the scope of the study, on the management of chemotherapy-related symptoms and quality of life.

This randomized controlled, single-blind experimental design study was carried out with the participation of 199 patients at the Kocaeli University Semahat Aracı Oncology and Palliative Care Center, Outpatient Chemotherapy Unit. In the study, which used simple randomization, the intervention group consisted of 98 patients and the control group consisted of 101 patients. During chemotherapy treatment, in addition to standard care for symptom management, the intervention group used the ONKOSIS mobile application, while the control group used a demo mobile application. The study data were obtained through the Diagnostic Form, Nightingale Symptom Assessment Scale, Coping with Chemotherapy Symptoms Form, and patient satisfaction survey. The follow-up frequency was planned according to the type of treatment protocol applied to the patients. Patients who received four cycles of treatment were followed up after the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th cycles, while patients who received six cycles of treatment were followed up after the 2nd, 4th, and 6th cycles.

The study group had a mean age of 47.18 ± 13.83; 74.4% were female. Treatment cycles of 2, 3, or 4 weeks were provided for 26.6% of patients receiving treatment for gastrointestinal cancer, 21.6% for breast cancer, and 17.1% for lung cancer. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were similar between groups. Although the intervention group exhibited greater initial symptom burden (higher N-SAS scores at T1/T2), their symptom trajectory improved significantly over time compared to the control group, supporting the role of mHealth in enhancing outcomes. The use of ONKOSIS improved quality of life and patient satisfaction but did not reduce unscheduled healthcare visits.

The ONKOSIS mobile application was found to be an effective tool in supporting symptom management and improving the quality of life for cancer patients during the treatment process. It was determined that the widespread adoption of the mobile application in cancer care could contribute to improving patient outcomes and enhancing care quality.

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05946070. Registered on June 22, 2023