From needs to app: A user-centred design approach for developing mobile health interventions in oncology care

Abstract

Background

Chemotherapy management presents multi-dimensional challenges, including severe side effects, treatment non-adherence, and psychological distress, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare access and digital literacy barriers compound these difficulties. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions offer promising solutions but require systematic, user-centred design approaches.

Objective

To employ user-centred design principles in developing a comprehensive mobile health application for chemotherapy patients through mixed-methods needs assessment and iterative co-design processes.

Methods

An exploratory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted at a tertiary cancer centre in South India. Phase 1 involved qualitative exploration using structured questionnaires with patients (n = 10), healthcare providers (n = 9), and caregivers (n = 5). Phase 2 employed a quantitative needs assessment using the validated Cancer Needs Assessment Tool for Chemotherapy Care (CNAT-CC) among 101 patients. Convergent analysis informed iterative co-design of the “Onco Care” mobile application.

Results

Qualitative analysis revealed five major themes: physical symptom burden, psychological distress, information gaps, home-based management inadequacy, and treatment adherence challenges. Substantial physical symptom burden was observed, particularly related to appetite disturbance, pain, and nausea. The systematic integration resulted in a comprehensive application featuring treatment planning, symptom management, nutrition guidance, peer support, and a healthcare provider dashboard, with cultural adaptations including multilingual support and visual interfaces to address 33.7% illiteracy rates.

Conclusions

User-centred design effectively translated authentic stakeholder needs into evidence-based digital health solutions, providing a replicable methodology for developing comprehensive mHealth interventions that address multi-dimensional challenges in cancer care while ensuring cultural appropriateness and accessibility.