Implementation of the eHealth Appstore to improve access to self-management applications for Dutch people directly affected by cancer and their relatives: study protocol

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OBJECTIVE: The OncoAppstore is developed to increase access and availability of reliable cancer-relevant online self-management applications for all Dutch people directly affected by cancer and their relatives, without referral. By providing health credit, the applications are available without personal costs. METHODS: This study consists of three parts. Part 1 is a prospective observational study, aiming to compare characteristics of OncoAppstore users with those who participate but did not buy an application (non-users). The number and type of purchased applications and used credit will be monitored. Moreover, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and user experience will be measured after the first application purchase or when the health credit expires (i.e. after 6 months), and 3 and 6 months thereafter. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests compare OncoAppstore users with non-users. Part 2 is an observational study that will compare users directly affected by cancer with the general Dutch cancer population with respect to sociodemographic variables, employment, income, healthcare expenditures, and care accessibility. Differences between the two groups will be tested using Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Part 3 consists of focus groups among OncoAppstore users and non-users. The focus groups will be conducted to identify unmet needs, user preferences, usability, acceptability, and suggestions for improving the OncoAppstore. Thematic analyses will be used to analyse the qualitative data. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Data on HRQoL, healthcare expenditures, usability, and accessibility of the OncoAppstore will provide insights needed to improve the infrastructure and sustainability of self-management applications in Dutch cancer care.

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