PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
I. Develop and refine a real-time chemo-associated side effects monitoring support system (RT-CAMSS) using interactive text messaging (TXT) for patients with gastric, esophageal, pancreatic and colorectal cancer during chemotherapy.
II. Assess the feasibility and engagement of the RT-CAMSS in a 2-month pilot study.
III. To gather preliminary data on the impact of RT-CAMSS on patient's quality of life and symptom distress.
OUTLINE:
PHASE I: Patients participate in an audio-recorded focus group or one-on-one interview over 40 minutes either in-person, over the phone, or electronically. Patients receive sample text messages and questionnaires generated from the RT-CAMSS to generate reaction, discussion, and scenarios.
PHASE II: Patients receive RT-CAMSS over 2 months or until chemotherapy is discontinued, whichever is earlier. RT-CAMSS consists of text messages addressing knowledge about specific cancer type and chemotherapy, side-effect prevention, suggestions of lifestyle behavioral changes and emotional support, and preparation for surgery. Patients then record their symptoms through answering a series of questionnaires and receive tailored feedback according to their answers, including a consultation with a nurse.
After completion of study, patients are followed up at 1 and 2 months.
