App Supports Patients and Caregivers

The VA is utilizing the smartphone in a vet’s pockets to transmit meaningful support to patients and their caregivers. VA is rolling out an automated text message system, called Annie, to provide veterans and their caregivers with a new tool to help manage some of the worst side effects facing patients following chemotherapy.

Providers check-in with patients daily, via Annie, to see if they have a fever and patients are asked to rate the severity of a series of symptoms including nausea, mouth sores, fatigue, trouble breathing, and pain. Vets can also share additional issues that Annie hasn’t reviewed. Patients then receive a response which provides guidance on managing the symptoms, ranging from advice for home management of symptoms, instructions to call the clinic to speak to a nurse or orders for them to report directly to the emergency department. This support for symptom self-management empowers patients and reassures family caregivers when they are unsure of how to provide care for their loved ones. “Patients know they are experiencing symptoms, but they don’t always know when it’s too much or how to react,” according to Connie Jaenicke, a nurse navigator in the Minneapolis VA Medical Center hematology/oncology department. “We worry about patients not seeking treatment for these symptoms early enough to avoid hospitalization. As a result, this can worsen a patient’s quality of life unnecessarily and delay or preclude future chemotherapy.”

Navigating the treatment of a complex chronic disease is complicated. Technology like Annie can help. Additionally, supporting caregivers with information, tools, and guidance allows them to be the eyes and ears of physicians between patient appointments. All these elements can improve a patient’s quality of life. Join Patients and Providers United in support of keep patients, providers and caregivers at the center of medical decision making.