News | My Pancreas iPhone & iPad Application Coming Soon
‘My Pancreas’, a free to download cancer information app for the iPhone and iPad, is set to officially launch on the 1st September, by the Leicester General Hepato-Pancreato-Billiary Unit & Design Agency AGF Studio.
The App is amongst the first of its kind to be released in the U.K – a dedicated information guide on pancreatic cancer. It has been designed to guide a patient through their journey from initial referral to treatment, how to manage symptoms and where to find further help and support. “Mr Garcea said “Many people will only have limited knowledge about the pancreas. My team has recognised modern technology provides lots of options for patients and carers to access information.”
The team, led by Clinical Director and Consultant Surgeon Giuseppe Garcea, Professor Ashley Dennison and lead HPB nurse specialist Cris Pollard, have been working on the project since February 2015.They initially approached De Montfort University for help developing an information app for pancreatic cancer patients. They took part in DMU’s annual hackathon event, and within 48 hours they designed and built a basic working model.
Mr Garcea said, “The hackathon offered a unique opportunity to develop a working model of the app as proof of concept, and invaluable feedback, support and advice was obtained.”
The experience gained at the event enabled the HPB department to approach charitable organisations with a clearer plan and proof of concept. This in turn led to the department securing initial funding for the project from the University Hospitals Charity department.
In June 2015, the HPB department partnered with Leicester based digital agency AGF Studio, to take over the project development.
Headed by design director Andrew Foxwell, the app was redesigned to create an intuitive interface and user experience, which ensured a patient centred approach. This successful partnership has meant that together AGF Studio & Leicester HPB has been able to secure funding from Pancreatic Cancer UK Clinical Pioneer Awards and the Leicester County Council allowing them to continue the project’s development.
The “My Pancreas“ app has been designed to guide a patient through their journey of suspected pancreatic cancer from initial referral to treatment. The app is more than an electronic booklet; it empowers patients by giving them knowledge. The application can be divided into 5 sections
My Pancreas
- This section will introduce and raise the patients’ awareness of the Pancreas, outlining what the organ does and the location within the body.
My Tests
- Information on procedures expected to occur during the diagnosis procedure i.e. Ultrasound, CT Scan MRI. (Outlined in a supportive manner, to diminish patients’ potential anxiety)
My Treatment
- In-depth information on the types of treatments patients will potentially undergo i.e. Chemotherapy, Surgery.
Help & Information
A Patient Support Section that will include but are not limited to:-
- Local Patient Care Services – Including telephone details, addresses and drop in centres for patients requiring emotional support.
- Forum – Linking to Pancreatic Cancer Research U.K. for online support and guidance.
- Website – Linked to the HPB Leicester website.
- Financial – Information relating to grants and government support.
My Notes
- A section of pre written questions that can easily be selected and saved ready to ask the specialist at their consultations.
- A note pad section where patients can create their own list of questions to ask at their consultations.
The App has just completed its final testing stage in July where the HPB Unit invited over 60 different health care professionals, patients, carers, family members and Pancreatic Cancer UK to test the application before its release. One patient responded saying “I wish I had access to this at the point of diagnosis, far better explained than the pamphlets from UHL, NHS and Macmillan”. Another patient explained, “the information in the app was very useful, non-patronising and specific enough to give a patient or carers confidence in its relevance and usefulness”
The iPhone and iPad Application “My Pancreas”, the brainchild of Giuseppe Garcea, Cris Pollard and Professor Dennison, with technical and stylistic input from Andrew Foxwell (AGF Studio) is scheduled for release later this year.