Digital Follow-Up Application for Cancer Patients - Value Mechanisms Regarding Health Professionals’ Work

摘要

This study examined the value mechanisms of a digital cancer follow-up application (CFUA). Value is defined as the health outcomes achieved per resources used. The focus was on how the digital health intervention (DHI) affects the professionals’ work. The research was conducted through interviews of healthcare professionals in the empirical context of gynecological cancer clinic at a university hospital in Finland. The identified key mechanisms were improved coordination and optimized care level. The CFUA improves coordination through reducing time restrictions of work, as the professionals have more chances to time their contacts and plan their work. The CFUA helps in optimizing care level, as the application can effectively filter patients to either nurses or physicians according to symptoms. Coordination mechanism is closely connected to other healthcare value mechanisms, such as reducing waste and supply management. This study increases understanding of DHI value potential recognition, and how value can be actualized.