Randomized Controlled Trial of a Psychological Mobile Application (App) to Promote Coping for Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Patients with a new diagnosis of AML often confront a sudden and life-threatening diagnosis, requiring an immediate disruption of their life and an urgent 4-6 week hospitalization to initiate intensive chemotherapy. During this hospitalization, they endure substantial physical symptoms due to the side-effects of intensive chemotherapy, which negatively impacts their quality of life. Patients with AML also experience significant psychological distress as they struggle with the abrupt onset of illness, uncertainty regarding their prognosis, physical and social isolation during their hospitalization, and complete loss of independence.

From our prior studies, we learnt that the use of DREAMLAND, a psychological mobile app, was feasible to integrate in the care of patients with AML receiving intensive chemotherapy and has promising efficacy for improving patients' physical and psychological symptoms and their quality of life. In this project, the study doctors want to compare the effectiveness of DREAMLAND versus CERENA in improving the patient experience when diagnosed with AML. CERENA is a mobile app that provides medical information about how to best take care of one´s health. Using this research, the study doctors hope to find out the best way to help patients cope with the diagnosis and treatment for AML.

The study will use questionnaires to measure patient's quality of life, physical symptoms, mood, and the participant sense of control over their situation. Study questionnaires will be completed in the hospital or clinic. The participants will also have the option of completing these questionnaires remotely through a secure web link or through a mailed paper copy.

Blue Note Therapeutics, Inc. is supporting this research study by providing funding. Blue Note Therapeutics is a digital health technology company that focuses on the health needs of patients with a cancer diagnosis.