The efficacy of a symptom management platform among gastric cancer survivors: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Patients who undergo gastrectomy for gastric cancer experience gastrointestinal symptoms, psychological responses, and social problems. These factors reduce a patient's quality of life (QoL) after surgery. A web-based platform (Wecare^®) has been developed to address distress and provide solutions. This study aimed to evaluate whether Wecare® improved the QoL of patients who underwent gastrectomy.

Methods: A total of 88 patients who undergo gastrectomy for gastric cancer will be randomly allocated to either the "Wecare^®" group or the control group at a 1:1 ratio. After using the "Wecare^®" platform for the first 22 patients and making modifications, the next 66 patients will be randomized equally. The primary outcome of this trial is the QoL among gastric cancer survivors (KOQUSS-40). The values of weight change, nutritional index change, KOQUSS-40 questionnaire compliance, self-efficacy, physical activity change, and satisfaction will be compared between the two groups as secondary outcomes. The investigator will follow-up with the patients at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery at the outpatient clinic.

Discussion: This is the first randomized controlled trial to analyze the usefulness of a symptom management platform (Wecare^®) among gastric cancer survivors. This study aimed to verify the efficacy of web-based platforms in relieving discomfort after gastric cancer surgery. Future large-scale clinical trials are planned.

Keywords: digital platform; gastrectomy; gastric neoplasm; quality of life; survivors.

Figure 1.

Flow diagram of the Wecare^® study.

Figure 2.

Screenshots from Wecare^® application used by patients. A shows the patient’s basic information. B displays the diet and NRS2002 results. C evaluates the scores for each domain of the KOQUSS-40 questionnaire, where white indicates no to mild symptoms, blue represents intermediate symptoms, and red shows severe symptoms. D compares the patient’s values in each domain with the average values of a small group matched for age, gender, and operation period within an existing patient group. E provides automated responses regarding education and treatment for domains showing severe symptoms. F contains recommended educational materials from medical professionals about symptoms based on the patient’s postoperative timeline. G features educational materials in a card news format, primarily composed of images. H provides educational materials centered on text. I consists of educational materials presented in video format.

Figure 3.

Timeline of the study period.