Abstract P6-12-03: Development of technology for bi-directional, tailored support of the relationship between breast cancer patients and their providers
Authors: Sharon Hensley Alford, Rohit Mahatma, Sagar Amode, Rupal Sethia, Kartik Mahatma, Hitesh Mahatma, Varun Mahatma, Nayan Sonawane, Shilpa Mahatma, Tarun Kumar, Kanchan Chawala
Journal: Cancer Research (2020)

Abstract Background: It has been repeatedly recognized that current electronic medical record (EMR) systems detract from the patient-provider relationship and that innovative technology is needed to re-center medical encounters on the patient-provider relationship. This is especially important during breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.Methods: We interviewed breast cancer patients and their providers to understand the needs of each. Perspectives from both patients and providers were recorded and collated through discussions and subsequent field pilot tests which we used to validate and prioritize features or functions needed in the app to support each side of the medical encounter. Results: Patients reported wanting a system that centrally housed their diagnostic and treatment related information. They wanted the ability to share information with their caregivers (family and friends) as well as report symptoms (patient reported outcomes - PROs) to their providers. Providers reported wanting a way to gather and use PROs to intervene as soon as possible on the symptoms reported by the patients that might cause treatment delays or decrease adherence to the treatment regimen. Providers also wanted a way to easily consume the patient’s breast cancer journey and understand the current status of the patient. Using the interviews, we collated a set of the most critical capabilities and created a bi-directional mobile portal for patients and providers that has a tailored interface for each role. The resulting platform enables breast cancer patients to record their diagnosis, track appointments, and store PROs. In addition, patients can invite caregivers to the platform to view their medical history and help them in their care journey. Patients can also share their information with their providers. The provider side of the mobile app allows the doctor to view the patient’s longitudinal case summary as well as any PROs, manage patient encounters and includes a chat function for the patient’s medical team to communicate with each other regarding the patient’s case. Conclusion: We demonstrate that it is possible to build and deploy a mobile application to support patient-provider engagement. We show initial results that are promising for a bi-directional platform that reduces friction in patient-provider engagement. Citation Format: Sharon Hensley Alford, Rohit Mahatma, Sagar Amode, Rupal Sethia, Kartik Mahatma, Hitesh Mahatma, Varun Mahatma, Nayan Sonawane, Shilpa Mahatma, Tarun Kumar, Kanchan Chawala. Development of technology for bi-directional, tailored support of the relationship between breast cancer patients and their providers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-12-03.