About our work
Children with palliative care needs are mainly managed at home. Symptom experience has a direct and measurable effect on quality of life. Rapid elucidation of symptoms allows health care teams to intervene quickly. The Advanced Symptom Management System (ASyMS©) uses mobile phone and computer technology to assess and manage cancer treatment related symptoms. It has been used in adults and teenagers with cancer diagnoses. We propose to extend the use of this technology to children. Daily mobile phone questionnaires generate symptom data which is collated via a central server and viewable on a web page.
Aims
The study aims to:
- Trial a mobile phone system to assess and manage cancer treatment related symptoms
- Assess the acceptability of a mobile phone system to children and their parents
- Assess the feasibility of system for patients within the paediatric palliative care setting
- Assess the acceptability and feasibility of utilising system by health care professionals involved in the delivery of paediatric palliative care
How was the study carried out?
Interviews, focus groups and innovative methods will be use to understand the experiences of families supporting a child receiving palliative oncology services.
Who will take part?
Families of a child receiving palliative oncology services, in rural and urban locations across Scotland
Why is this research important?
Children with palliative care needs are mainly managed at home. Symptom experience has a direct and measurable effect on quality of life. Rapidly identifying symptoms allow health care teams to intervene quickly.
Who are we working with?
Neneh Rowa-Dewar is the project researcher, supported by Dr Liz Forbat. Dr Dermot Murphy at Yorkhill Childrens Hospital, Glasgow and Dr Faith Gibson at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Involvement of people affected by cancer
A teenager who has palliative care needs and his mother are supporting the research team and will act as advisors on methodology throughout.
When will this study take place?
Between February 2009 and August 2009
When will the final report be ready?
Summer 2009
Funding Organisation
Yorkhill Childrens Fund
More Information
For more information on ASyMS© please contact Professor Nora Kearney.