Mijn Máxima Plan: A Usability Study of an Informative App to Decrease Stress in Parents of Children With Childhood Cancer

Abstract

Background: Today it becomes more and more important to provide patients with tailored information, to cope with the disease and prevent medical traumatic stress. This is also the case in the Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology where a new online patient portal (OPP) is being developed. In preparation for this Mijn Máxima Plan (MMP), an app, was developed to provide tailored information to families about the treatment of their child with a Wilms Tumor (WT). Aim: We investigated the usability and future use of MMP. Method: A mixed method design with interviews and questionnaires was used. Parents (n=13) were interviewed and filled in questionnaires before and after the use of MMP. Additionally, professionals were interviewed on their expectations of MMP in three focus groups (n = 32). Results: Results showed MMP has a high usability. Professionals were divided about the usability of MMP. Elements will be used in the OPP. The MMP matches with the high need of information which is expressed by parents. Conclusion: Information from MMP should best be provided at the start of the treatment, since that is the most stressful time of the treatment. There is a need for an overview about the complete treatment, including appointments with a concrete timeline and information about all treatment elements during their patient-journey. Elements of the MMP will be incorporated in the future OPP so all parents in the Netherlands with a child with cancer receive tailored information.