March 2019.
Research Highlights Patient Engagement App as Providing Tangible Benefits for Individuals Affected by Cancer and Healthcare Providers Alike.
Belong.Life, the world’s largest interactive social network for cancer patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals, announced today that according to a new Study from McGill University, its personalized eHealth application shows promise for timely patient support, engagement, and symptom management. According to preliminary findings presented by McGill University’s graduate student Saima Ahmed at the 2018 Machine Learning for Healthcare Annual Research Meeting at Stanford University, patients rate Belong very high on quality metrics and reported the app gives them a sense of control, feeling less alone in their cancer journey.
“Through the years, eHealth apps have become increasingly popular among individuals facing various health challenges. It is now crucial to systematically assess their relevance and real-world impact,” explained Dr. Carmen G. Loiselle, Full Professor in the Department of Oncology and the Ingram School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine at McGill University (loisellelab.ca). “This study highlights the importance of using quantitative and qualitative approaches to study the potential effects of App use. BELONG offers ample research opportunities as it allows data capture in real time, such as patient-reported outcomes while integrating the latest machine learning principles.” Dr. Loiselle led the study with the collaboration of Dr. Walter Gotlieb, Director of Surgical Oncology and Professor in the departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Oncology at McGill University.
The study, which took place in the gynecological oncology division at the Segal Cancer Center of the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, examined the value of Belong’s features. 84% of respondents agreed that the Belong’s platform helped them feel less alone in their cancer journey. 80% of respondents said that they felt better prepared for medical consultations using the app.
