Examining the Effectiveness of a Mobile App on Self-care for a Colostomy

Colorectal cancer has been one of the most common cancers in Taiwan. Using m-Health Apps to improve accessibility of personal health management has received greater attention and recognition. The purpose of this study is to develop a mobile App and understand its effects on improving colorectal cancer participants and their family caregivers’ knowledge of colostomy care, anxiety, and quality of life as well as their satisfaction of the App. The study will use mixed methods as the study design in which content analysis will be used to identify the content suited for the App based on interviews with participants. A systematic research and development process will be utilized to design the text, videos, and images in the App’s simulations to provide accurate, consistent, and complete knowledge of the skills needed for colostomy self-care and contending with any potential emergency. The results of this study not only will help colorectal participants and their family caregivers increase their knowledge of self-care for their colostomy, reduce anxiety, and improve quality of life, but it will also help the hospital to provide a high-quality and innovative technology for colorectal cancer participant and their family caregivers. Through this App, the quality of interaction and the rapport developed between healthcare professionals and participants will be enhanced, facilitating participant and family caregivers’ responses to emergent situations and their endorsements toward the hospital. Ultimately, participants and their families will increase their satisfaction with the care.