Feasibility and acceptability of an iPad application to explore symptom clusters in adolescents and young adults with cancer.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a computer-based symptom cluster heuristics tool designed to explore symptom clusters experienced by adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. The Computerized Symptom Capture Tool (C-SCAT) is a newly developed iPad application, which combines graphical images and free text responses in an innovative heuristics approach to explore symptoms and symptom clusters. PROCEDURE Seventy-two AYAs (13-29 years of age) with cancer at five institutions across the US completed the C-SCAT 24-96 hours after the initial chemotherapy dose in a chemotherapy cycle. RESULTS All participants completed the C-SCAT successfully in a mean of 25 minutes, with 74% reporting that the final image was an accurate or very accurate representation of their symptom experience. Little clarification/coaching was necessary while completing the C-SCAT. Few technical problems were encountered. Participants judged the C-SCAT questions to be clear and endorsed ease of following instructions, typing, and drawing. CONCLUSIONS The C-SCAT demonstrated feasibility and acceptability. With refinement based on study results, the C-SCAT has potential to: (a) empower AYAs to communicate their symptom experience and partner with providers in their care; (b) improve symptom management and ameliorate distress; and (c) translate to use with other highly symptomatic populations.