Design and Preliminary Evaluation of a Cancer-Related Communication Mobile Application for Young Adults with Cancer and Their Spouses

Abstract

Background Effective cancer-related communication between young cancer patients and their spouses promotes psychosocial adaptation, reduces psychological burdens, maintains marital relationships, and enhances quality of life. Despite the rise in communication intervention programs for cancer couples, there remains a gap in addressing these needs post-hospital discharge. Mobile devices present a potential solution for facilitating such communication. Objective The objective of this study is to develop an intervention program to tackle cancer-related communication issues and use it as the foundation for a mobile application (APP) . We also aimed to evaluate the feasibility and usability of the app with young cancer patients and their spouses. Method The study consisted of four phases. We conducted semi-structured interviews (n=13) during the program content construction (phase 1), followed by expert panel sessions (n=8) for content validation (phase 2). We conducted APP prototype interface and interaction design based on the final draft of the program content and relying on the Modao platform (phase 3). During the initial evaluation (phase 4), young cancer patients and spouses (n=10) provided feedback using the System Usability Scale. We used content and descriptive analyses with continuous prototype development and iteration. Result Interviews with nine patients and four spouses identified key communication issues, such as disease diagnosis, treatment decisions, and prognosis. Interventions based on the Sound Relationship House Theory included open-ended questioning, expressing needs, and constructing shared meanings. Eight experts validated the content of the program, rating it highly for scientificity, appropriateness, and operability. Following feedback, an APP prototype was developed, featuring modules for selecting topics and questions to facilitate face-to-face communication. Ten participants tested the APP, with recruitment and retention rates of 62.5% and 80%, respectively. The APP scored 74.38 on the System Usability Scale, rating B on the Usage Curve Grading Scale, with positive feedback affirming its feasibility and usability. Conclusion This study provides an effective communication tool for young cancer patients and their spouses through a comprehensive intervention program. The APP facilitates disease-related communication using methods such as open-ended questioning, expressing praise and gratitude, addressing needs, discussing disagreements, and constructing shared meanings. The prototype evaluation showed high user recognition, functional relevance, and satisfactory testing experiences. The APP is expected to encourage and improve disease-related communication, boosting confidence and effectiveness for patients and spouses in managing the illness together.