Proposal for a prototype technological device to support self-care for women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment
Health education; Self-care; Mobile applications;Technology; Breast Cancer.
The technological evolution experienced today affects all fields of human activity, promoting agility in the dissemination of large amounts of information, mainly via the internet. Technological advances have taken healthcare to a new level, and this revolution is supported by the development of microelectronics and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The healthcare field is progressively consolidating itself as one of the main sectors to make use of these technologies, which bring significant changes to service delivery strategies and care provision. In contemporary times, so-called mHealth (mobile health) practices, which are medical and public health practices aided by patient monitoring devices through mobile phones and digital personal assistants, are gaining prominence and recognition from important entities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN), as they promote self-care and assist in the implementation of public policies aimed at disease promotion and control. Considering the positive impact of using technology in healthcare, this study aims to develop a prototype of a technological device as a tool for the self-care of women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment. This is a methodological research, in the form of technological innovation, with a quantitative approach. To design the prototype, the Design Science Research methodology will be used, which involves five stages (scope review, instrument development, and content and appearance validation). It is expected that the investigation will support the creation of a resource that effectively contributes to the promotion of self-care among women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment, thereby contributing to quality care, with comprehensive and special care, and favoring an increase in treatment success rates.