Purpose/Rationale: Our Minneapolis VA Healthcare System (MVAHCS) team developed a self-management symptom program using the existing Annie Mobile Messaging System platform that was designed to be userfriendly for Veterans. We are currently determining which patients with advanced cancer might benefit most from the system. Here we describe early results from this program.
Background: Symptom monitoring programs using electronic communications platforms in patients with advanced solid tumors undergoing routine outpatient chemotherapy has resulted in benefits such as improved quality of life, improved survival, and reduced Emergency Room (ER) usage.
Methods: We created a symptom management protocol in conjunction with the Annie Program Team. Patients are sent text messages twice daily Monday through Friday, and they are asked to rate the following symptoms with a severity scale of 0-4 (absent, mild, moderate, severe, or disabling): Nausea/vomiting, mouth sores, fatigue, trouble breathing, appetite, constipation, diarrhea, numbness/tingling, and pain. In addition, patients are asked whether they have had a fever or not. Based on the patient response, the patient receives an automated, corresponding text back. The text may provide positive affirmation that they are doing well, give them education, refer them to an educational hyperlink, ask them to call a direct number to the clinic, or report directly to the ER.
Results: We have currently enrolled 5 patients in the program through screening new patient consults or those referred for chemotherapy education. There have not been any calls to the clinic or visits to the ER to date. Initial evaluation of the program via survey found no technology challenges and patients have been very positive about the program, including ease of use, appreciation of messages that validated when they were doing well, empowerment of self-management, and utilization of the texting advice.
Conclusions: Development and introduction of the MVAHCS Mobile Messaging System for Self-Management of Chemotherapy Symptoms has been completed. Early evaluation has not revealed any major concerns. We will continue to introduce this technology to patients undergoing chemotherapy and will further assess the feasibility and efficacy of this novel VA program.
