Effect of Orem-based Nursing Intervention with Mobile Application on the Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Self-Care Abilities of Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients; A Quasi-Experimental Study

Vollständiger Abstract

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Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a growing global health issue, causing various symptoms. Based on Orem’s self-care deficit theory, planned nursing care alleviates symptoms and supports self-care, while mobile applications assist in symptom monitoring. This study aimed to examine the effect of an Orem-based nursing intervention, supported by a mobile application, on symptoms, quality of life, and self-care in patients with GI cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted between May 2021 and May 2023 at the chemotherapy unit of Atatürk University Research Hospital in Türkiye, and included 56 chemotherapy patients who were assigned to an intervention group ( n = 27), or to a control group ( n = 29). Over 6 weeks, the intervention group received nursing care based on Orem’s self-care deficit theory, facilitated through a mobile application, while the control group received standard care. Data were collected using the Edmonton symptom assessment scale (ESAS), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), and the self-care ability scale (SCAS). Results: After the intervention, significant differences were observed between groups in ESAS, EORTC QLQ-C30 Symptom subscale, and SCAS scores ( P < 0.01). The intervention group showed decreased scores on the EORTC QLQ-C30 Functional subscale, while the control group’s scores increased, a statistically significant difference ( P < 0.01). Additionally, general well-being scores increased in the intervention group and decreased in the control group, with significance ( P < 0.01). Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of theory-based, application-supported nursing interventions in cancer care. The synergy between theoretical nursing frameworks and innovative tools offers a promising application approach to optimize symptom management, quality of life, and self-care.