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. 2017 Aug;11(4):505-516.
doi: 10.1007/s11764-017-0609-0. Epub 2017 Mar 31.

Development of a text messaging system to improve receipt of survivorship care in adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer

Jacqueline Casillas  1   2 , Anju Goyal  3 , Jason Bryman  4 , Faisal Alquaddoomi  5 , Patricia A Ganz  6   3   7 , Emma Lidington  8 , Joshua Macadangdang  9 , Deborah Estrin  10   11
Affiliations

Development of a text messaging system to improve receipt of survivorship care in adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer

Jacqueline Casillas et al. J Cancer Surviv. 2017 Aug.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and examine the acceptability, feasibility, and usability of a text messaging, or Short Message Service (SMS), system for improving the receipt of survivorship care for adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of childhood cancer.

Methods: Researchers developed and refined the text messaging system based on qualitative data from AYA survivors in an iterative three-stage process. In stage 1, a focus group (n = 4) addressed acceptability; in stage 2, key informant interviews (n = 10) following a 6-week trial addressed feasibility; and in stage 3, key informant interviews (n = 23) following a 6-week trial addressed usability. Qualitative data were analyzed using a constant comparative analytic approach exploring in-depth themes.

Results: The final system includes programmed reminders to schedule and attend late effect screening appointments, tailored suggestions for community resources for cancer survivors, and messages prompting participant feedback regarding the appointments and resources. Participants found the text messaging system an acceptable form of communication, the screening reminders and feedback prompts feasible for improving the receipt of survivorship care, and the tailored suggestions for community resources usable for connecting survivors to relevant services. Participants suggested supplementing survivorship care visits and forming AYA survivor social networks as future implementations for the text messaging system.

Conclusions: The text messaging system may assist AYA survivors by coordinating late effect screening appointments, facilitating a partnership with the survivorship care team, and connecting survivors with relevant community resources.

Implications for cancer survivors: The text messaging system has the potential to improve the receipt of survivorship care.

Keywords: Adolescent and young adult; Late effects; Mobile device; SMS; Survivorship; Text message.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest The authors declare they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart outlining the 3-stage pilot study to develop the text messaging system.
Figure 2
Figure 2
SMS Interface Processes Tab To enroll participants, providers input first name, surname, and email address. To input a late effects screening recommendation, the provider selects the appropriate item from the drop down task menu under ‘Schedule a Process,’ and enters the contact number for the referral. If the appointment has already been scheduled, the provider can input date and time. The provider can also select fasting requirements if necessary.
Figure 3
Figure 3
SMS Interface History Tab Providers can view a record of the conversation between the system (provider) and the client (participant) under the History tab. Each text message is time-stamped for appropriate archival of participant-provider communication.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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