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Feasibility of a Mobile Application to Enhance Swallowing Therapy for Patients Undergoing Radiation-Based Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer

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Abstract

Dysphagia following treatment for head and neck cancer is one of the most significant morbidities impacting quality of life. Despite the value of prophylactic exercises to mitigate the impact of radiation on long-term swallowing function, adherence to treatment is limited. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the feasibility of a mobile health application to support patient adherence to swallowing therapy during radiation-based treatment. 36 patients undergoing radiation therapy were provided with the Vibrent™ mobile application as an adjunct to standard swallowing therapy. The application included exercise videos, written instructions, reminders, exercise logging, and educational content. 80% of participants used the app during treatment and logged an average of 102 exercise sessions over the course of treatment. 25% of participants logged at least two exercise sessions per day over the 7-week treatment period, and 53% recorded at least one session per day. Exit interviews regarding the patient experience with the Vibrent™ mobile application were largely positive, but also provided actionable strategies to improve future versions of the application. The Vibrent™ mobile application appears to be a tool that can be feasibly integrated into existing patient care practices and may assist patients in adhering to treatment recommendations and facilitate communication between patients and providers between encounters.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Heather M. Starmer & F. Christopher Holsinger

  2. Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Rina Abrams & Kimberly Webster

  3. Stanford Healthcare, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Jennifer Kizner

  4. Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Beth Beadle

  5. Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Harry Quon

  6. Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA

    Jeremy Richmon

  7. Stanford Cancer Center, 900 Blake Wilbur Drive Suite 3073, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA

    Heather M. Starmer

Authors
  1. Heather M. Starmer
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  2. Rina Abrams
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  3. Kimberly Webster
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  4. Jennifer Kizner
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  5. Beth Beadle
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  6. F. Christopher Holsinger
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  7. Harry Quon
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  8. Jeremy Richmon
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Correspondence to Heather M. Starmer.

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Starmer, H.M., Abrams, R., Webster, K. et al. Feasibility of a Mobile Application to Enhance Swallowing Therapy for Patients Undergoing Radiation-Based Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer. Dysphagia 33, 227–233 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-017-9850-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-017-9850-y

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