(P12-001-24) Belief About App Effectiveness Is a Significant Predictor of App Interest, but Not Use, in Oncology Dietitians in Oncology Dietitians

Objectives: Mobile health apps are convenient tools that have demonstrated potential in supporting oncology nutrition care; yet fewer than half of clinicians recommend apps during visits. We investigated whether an oncology dietitian’s belief that an app would increase their productivity and performance (i.e., app effectiveness) predicted two outcomes: app uses and interest in apps. We explored if app feature preferences predicted interest in apps.

Methods: Fifty oncology dietitians were enrolled through the Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group and LinkedIn. The survey included practice characteristics (years of experience, practice setting, board certification) and beliefs about apps (app effectiveness, lack of oncology-specific apps). Current app uses (ask patients to reflect on data, review data with patients, use data to help set diet goals), degree of interest in recommending and using apps in practice, and app features (ability to: view data to discuss diet quality and energy, use behavior change prompts, increase data accuracy, increase self-monitoring habits) were also included in the survey. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses investigated associations between belief about app effectiveness with app interest and use, while adjusting for practice characteristics and the dearth of oncology-specific apps. Multiple linear regression models were also used to determine associations between app feature preferences with interest in cancer nutrition apps.

Results: There were no statistically significant associations between belief about app effectiveness with current app uses (p >0.05). However, beliefs about app effectiveness predicted oncology dietitians’ interest in recommending the app (β = 0.49 ± 0.08, p< 0.001) and interest in using a nutrition app in practice (β = 0.49 ± 0.13, p < 0.001). No statistically significant associations were determined in models testing app feature preferences with interest in recommendation and use (p >0.05).

Conclusions: Belief that an app will enhance one’s practice may play a role in increasing interest - but not current use - in apps for oncology dietitians. Research is needed to investigate the barriers that can prevent the transition from app interest to app implementation during patient-dietitian oncology nutrition visits.

Funding Sources: This study was supported by the 2023 ASN UDRF Award.