Developing ghasedak: A mobile application to improve the quality of cancer palliative care

Abstract

Introduction: Today, new health care models are being proposed with the aim of reducing hospital beds and providing services in primary facilities and homes. These models are developed with the focus on the patients and towards their self-management and self-accomplishment of the activities. Among these, Mobile Health Technology seems to be appropriate for making a new model in palliative care and in different types of care, in general. Palliative care Application (app)can pave the way for promoting the patients’ knowledge and thus improving their quality of life, which, in turn, can provide appropriate care at the end of the patients‘life. Aim: This study endeavored to develop the initial version of Mobile Application for cancer Palliative care for the purpose of improving the quality of Iranians’ life. Methods: A mixed method study was conducted in three Phases as follows: 1) comparative study of current mobile applications; 2) developing an object-oriented conceptual model for mobile apps; and 3) developing the initial version of Ghasedak (Ghasedakis the Persian word stand for “Dandelion”) approved for production. Results: Ghasedak was developed for the appropriate cancer self-care, with such functionalities as user training; including cancer definition, cancer factors, its signs and symptoms, types, prevention, cure, adherence to the constraints, strategies for reducing anxiety and overcoming fear, definition and importance of palliative care, management of physical, psychological, social as well as spiritual complications. Ghasedak also includes Clinicians appointment reminds, personal health, user guide, application setting, and patient notes. Conclusion: Ghasedak was developed in compliance with Iranian experts’ opinions. It seems it would be of help in self-care of patients with needed to palliative care. © 2019 Nafiseh Salimian, Asghar Ehteshami, Maede Ashouri-Talouki.