Maxwell Kluge
Pronouns: he/him
Research Mentor(s): Sung Choi
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Pediatrics / Medicine
Program: UROPF
Session: Session 6 (3:40pm – 4:30pm)
Authors: Maxwell Kluge, Gwynne Ozkan, Cinzia Caparso, Aidan Khaghany, Humza Salim, Tracey Churay, Sung Won Choi
Abstract
Blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) is a procedure that aims to provide a potential cure for some oncology patients, but the riskiness of the procedure is known for increasing symptoms of anxiety in both patients and caregivers. The BMT Roadmap 1.0 app was developed to provide health information to caregivers and can be paired with wearable technology to monitor steps, sleep, and heart rate. It was modified into a 2.0 model that included positive activities and daily mood surveys to provide mental health support to caregivers. The purpose of this study was to receive patient input to develop an improved Roadmap 3.0 model that can alleviate anxiety for both patients and caregivers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted either in-person or through video chat on a group of 19 BMT patients. These 19 participants were recruited from an existing pool of study candidates that the research team had previously worked with. Questions were developed from a previous script related to the research and modified to be more specific to this study. A codebook was developed according to trends seen in the first few interviews and adjusted as necessary for later interviews. After all interviews were coded, the data was analyzed to look for significant themes. Analysis is ongoing for the study and no results have been finalized. So far, both positive and negative qualities about the app have been found with the major theme being “suggestions for Roadmap modifications†with specifics involving dyadic interventions and nutritional support. The findings will help us develop a 3.0 model of the Roadmap app that is better suited to the needs and preferences of BMT patients. With an improved version of the app, the mental well being of oncology BMT patients and their caregivers will be positively impacted through reduced amounts of stress and anxiety experienced during and beyond treatment.
