Remote Monitoring of Mesothelioma Symptoms Deemed a Success in UK Study

Patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma face countless challenges, not the least of which is managing their symptoms without having to constantly leave their homes. While COVID-19 is the most recent and obvious hurdle, those who do not live near a major metropolitan hospital have long struggled with the same problem. According to a new study conducted in the United Kingdom, the introduction of innovative remote symptom monitoring technology can make a significant difference in their level of confidence and wellbeing.

Advanced Symptom Management System (ASyMS) Helps Mesothelioma Patients

Though malignant pleural mesothelioma is a terminal illness, there are many solutions available to provide patients with improved quality of life. Unfortunately, patients who live far from their treatment centers, or who are afraid of leaving their homes due to COVID-19 or other vulnerabilities, have been unable to access many of these treatments. The introduction of the Advanced Symptom Management System (ASyMS) to monitor their symptoms promises the ability to respond proactively.

A group of researchers from the United Kingdom set out to assess the system’s benefits when used via a smartphone. Their results, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research concluded that the system was highly successful.

Mesothelioma Patients Report Feeling Reassured by ASyMS Technology

The researchers included 18 patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, following them daily over a two-to-three-month period. The patients’ symptoms and responses were gauged using several standardized measures, including the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale-Mesothelioma (LCSS-Meso) and the Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral for Care (SPARC). Perhaps most importantly, they also responded to daily questionnaires via their smartphone. When the study was completed several of them, along with their caregivers and physicians, participated in interviews about their experience.

Though the mesothelioma patients reported no significant changes in their physical wellness, they did express significant improvements in their emotional and psychological status, indicating not only that the system was easy to use, but also that they felt a high level of reassurance as a result of its use. Patients and clinicians alike agreed that the system provided greater ease of communication and gave the patients a strong sense of being listened to.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, having a sense that someone hears you is essential. That is what the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net provide. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more about our services and the resources we can provide.

Terri Heimann Oppenheimer

Terri Oppenheimer

Writer
Terri Heimann Oppenheimer is the head writer of our Mesothelioma.net news blog. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in English. Terri believes that knowledge is power and she is committed to sharing news about the impact of mesothelioma, the latest research and medical breakthroughs, and victims’ stories.

Learn More About And Contact Terri
Get Help Contacting Mesothelioma.net
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
24/7 Live Chat
Online Now