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New app offers holistic support for cancer patients
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November 9, 2018 News AI Artificial Intelligence

 

From tracking their medical appointments to getting advice on the spot, cancer patients will soon be able to do these and more with a new mobile app developed by the National University Cancer Institute Singapore (NCIS).

Powered by artificial intelligence technology, the app is designed to support patients in all their cancer-related needs, and is the first holistic app for cancer patients here.

Announcing its launch at the institute’s fund-raising gala dinner yesterday, NCIS director Chng Wee Joo said: “It’s like a buddy for patients, a buddy to follow them and be with them throughout their cancer journey.”

 Apart from monitoring the patient’s condition and keeping track of appointments and medication schedules, the app also provides customised advice in areas such as diet, exercise and medical procedures. It can also answer cancer-related questions from patients via a chatbot.
National University Cancer Institute Singapore director Chng Wee Joo says the new app will be made available to 200 breast and colorectal cancer patients by the second quarter of next year, with plans to roll it out to more.

National University Cancer Institute Singapore director Chng Wee Joo says the new app will be made available to 200 breast and colorectal cancer patients by the second quarter of next year, with plans to roll it out to more.

Professor Chng hopes the app will empower patients to take better care of themselves, as they will have information that allows them to feel more involved in their treatment.

The app will be made available to 200 breast and colorectal cancer patients by the second quarter of next year, and there are plans to roll it out to more, said Prof Chng.

This is one of the new initiatives NCIS has embarked on as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations this year, he said. Another initiative is the “home stem cell transplant system”, which allows stem cell transplant patients to be cared for at home after the transplant procedure, instead of in hospital, he said.

Under this system, trained nurses are sent to the patient’s home to conduct checks thrice a week. Trial sessions started in January, and this option is now available to all patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplants – a common treatment for blood cancers such as multiple myeloma.

Former cancer patient Yeo Wee Lee, 44, said the new system allowed him to recuperate in the comfort of his own home. Mr Yeo, who is married with one son, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in July last year and underwent a stem cell transplant in January. He was the first patient to try out the system.

“It’s just much better being at home. It’s cleaner, there’s less risk of infections, and it’s a nicer place to rest overall,” said Mr Yeo, who works in the healthcare sector.

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