Nurse AMIE: A Tablet-Based Intervention to Improve Quality of Life in Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Open Access
Author:
Mathis, Katlynn
Graduate Program:
Integrative and Biomedical Physiology
Degree:
Master of Science
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
June 28, 2019
Committee Members:
Mary Kathryn Schmitz, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Nancy Williams, Committee Member David Gater, Committee Member
Keywords:
metastatic breast cancer technology-based quality of life feasibility pilot
Abstract:
Purpose: Women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) experience a decreasing quality of life. Technology-based interventions may be a way to improve quality of life (QOL) in this population without requiring additional clinic visits. The primary aim of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of a technology-based intervention to improve QOL in women with MBC. The secondary aim of this study is to examine the effects of the intervention on QOL in women with MBC. Methods: Nurse AMIE (Addressing Metastatic Individuals Everyday) is a tablet-based intervention that is designed to address five domains of QOL: pain, fatigue, sleep, physical function, and distress. Seven women with MBC were recruited to participate in this 3-month intervention. Pain, fatigue, sleep, physical function, and distress were assessed and baseline and after the 3-month intervention using the following outcome measures: Brief Pain Inventory, Brief Fatigue Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Short Physical Performance Battery, Distress Inventory, and the Short-form 36. Results: Nurse AMIE demonstrated an acceptability rate of 53% and feasibility of 77.9%. Nurse AMIE resulted in a statistically significant improvement in distress. Conclusion: Nurse AMIE is an acceptable and feasible intervention in women with MBC that demonstrates positive effects on QOL. Future studies are needed to further elucidate the effect of Nurse AMIE on QOL.
