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    Use of Assistive Technology for Cognition Mobile Applications by Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy

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    Caitlin-Rinn_Master-of-Science-Thesis_IDIA-Program_2018.pdf (18.23Mb)
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    http://hdl.handle.net/11603/12746
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    • UBalt Electronic Theses and Dissertations
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    Author/Creator
    Rinn, Caitlin
    Date
    2018-12
    Type of Work
    82 leaves
    application/pdf
    Text
    theses
    Department
    University of Baltimore. Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences.
    Program
    University of Baltimore. Master of Science in Interaction Design and Information Architecture.
    Rights
    This item may be protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. It is made available by the University of Baltimore for non-commercial research and educational purposes.
    Subjects
    Mobile applications
    Assistive technology for cognition
    Cognitive impairment
    Coping strategies
    Chemobrain
    Abstract
    Difficulty thinking, remembering, and concentrating are common complaints among breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy; however, tools and support for coping with these impairments remain limited. A previously unexplored option for managing the perceived impairments that accompany chemotherapy is the use of assistive technology for cognition (ATC), which is designed to aid memory, planning, and attention. This study seeks to understand whether women with breast cancer perceive any benefit from using two ATC apps on their smartphone and whether any gaps exist between the functionality of these apps and the needs of the participants. This two-week study examines the experiences of eight women with breast cancer before and after the use of two ATC apps (It’s Done and AudioNote) using a combination of semi-structured interviews and diary entries. All eight participants were either currently undergoing chemotherapy or had been treated with chemotherapy in the past, and had self-reported cognitive impairments. Instances of forgetting and frustration observed before the introduction of the ATC apps indicated that participants’ current coping strategies did not adequately meet their cognitive needs. After the It’s Done and AudioNote apps were introduced, participants found aspects of the apps beneficial, such as the recurring reminders, push notifications, and audio recording feature. While most participants felt that the apps improved their quality of life in one or more areas, usability issues, lack of functionality, and lack of habitual use prevented the two apps from comprehensively addressing participant’s cognitive needs. Recommendations for a single ATC app that combines and improves upon the features present in It’s Done and AudioNote to better support the cognition of breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy are discussed.


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    Robert L. Bogomolny Library
    University of Baltimore
    1420 Maryland Ave.
    Baltimore, MD 21201
    Email: knowledgeworks@ubalt.edu


    If you wish to submit a copyright complaint or withdrawal request, please email mdsoar-help@umd.edu.