Mobile Health for Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of smart health care service in the breast cancer patients through a systematic review. METHODS: For the study, 10 studies were selected by using PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, CINAHL, RISS4U, KISS, DBpia and the National Assembly Library. The Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used by two reviewers to evaluate independently the quality of the selected articles. RESULTS: 10 studies for the analysis of the effect of smart health care service using mobile applications on breast cancer patients since 2000 were found. The purpose of mobile based intervention was to check whether post-operative outpatient follow up could be substituted with mobile apps to measure and monitor weight loss or weight management, sleep, mood, depression and mental state, exercise, uncertainty management and feedback. CONCLUSION: Although mobile research is still limited, it may be sufficient to monitor the symptoms of breast cancer patients and to provide dietary and exercise interventions. This study suggests that various mobile apps can be used for breast cancer patients in various situations. Future study is recommended for repeated intervention studies on the effect of apps.