Article Text
Abstract
Introduction/Background The number of women surviving gynaecological cancer is increasing due to improved cancer screening programmes and advances in cancer treatment. Patient Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs) are a valid and reliable measurement tool to understand the patient‘s perception of her health-related quality of life (QoL). Lymphoedema, depression and anxiety, malnutrition and sarcopenia, and sexual dysfunction are conditions lowering QoL. Early detection with a mobile app could help to improve QoL in these patients.
Methodology Blinded randomised study (1:1 ratio), with two groups of patients. Via online app, patients will complete validated screening scales for lower-limb lymphoedema (GLCQ), anxiety-depression (HAD-14), sexual dysfunction (IFSFA-6) and sarcopenia-malnutrition (SARC-F and SNAQ) every two months after surgery along with self-perceived quality of life questionnaires (QLQ-C30, EN-24 or OV-28 or CX-24). In the experimental group the online app will alert in case of positive screening and the patient will be referred to the corresponding area for diagnosis and early treatment (Rehabilitation, Psycho-oncology, Sexual Health, and Nutrition). The control group will follow the standard usual care guidelines at the centre where patients will be opportunistically referred to specialized care.
Results Patients meeting all the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria will be recruited from the Gynaecology Oncology Unit of the University Hospital 12 de Octubre (extendable to other collaborating centres). Calculation of the sample size is made based on previous studies on quality of life that use the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire as a measurement instrument. Sample size of 168 patients is calculated (alpha error 0.05 and beta error 0.2. Patients will be followed up for 20 months.
Conclusion Telemedicine systematic screening, diagnosis and early treatment of lower-limb lymphoedema, anxiety-depression, sexual dysfunction and sarcopenia-malnutrition all have a positive impact on the self-perceived quality of life by gynaecological cancer patients.
Disclosures Not applicable