Abstract
In recent years, new treatments have become available which have improved survival rates in lung cancer patients. One promising treatment option is the rapidly growing field of oral targeted therapies, which employs drugs that interfere with specific molecules involved in the growth, progression, and spread of cancer. However, these therapies can cause a variety of symptoms and adverse events that can impair quality of life. mHealth technologies may help individuals with lung cancer better track their side effects and manage medications on a day-to-day basis. However, understanding patients' attitudes toward smart devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, and smart pill bottles, as well as their specific needs when using these devices, is critical before design and deployment studies of medication adherence can be carried out. In this study, we conducted interviews with 9 individuals with stage III-IV lung cancer at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States to assess the feasibility of using such devices for managing medication and medication related side-effects. We evaluated patients' attitudes towards the design and function of smart devices and how these devices fit into their daily life. Our results may help clinicians and researchers to co-develop effective mHealth system deployments for side effect and medication management in oncology populations.