Delphi technique for design and content validation by experts of a mobile app for self-care of breast cancer-related lymphedema

Introduction: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a complication that requires lifelong control, with patients taking responsibility for self-care. Mobile applications (apps) can be an effective health education strategy to help manage BCRL by promoting collaborative learning environments in physical therapy. The objective of this study was to design and validate the content for the development of a mobile application for self-care in the health of the BCRL.

Methods: The Delphi technique was used through two rounds with data collection instruments using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) and consensus was obtained among a group of experts regarding the content.

Results: Thirty experts participated in the first round to suggest content and 11 content menus, and 48 sub-content menus were suggested. The second round included 19 experts to validate the content. The content validity coefficient values were considered good, both for clarity and relevance (CVCt = 0.93) and for the relevance (CVCt = 0.92) of the contents, with the CVCt of the scale being 0.92, giving its content validity according to the analysis methods used in this research.

Conclusion: The Delphi technique helped to obtain a consensus that the content is clear, relevant, and pertinent. The results indicate that the application will be a useful and effective tool, offering the necessary functionality to guide these patients' self-care, and is ready for development.

Implications for cancer survivors: This app will assist in proactive prevention before BCRL diagnosis, provide comprehensive knowledge and information during the treatment process for diagnosed patients, and support long-term self-management, while enhancing the learning of education provided to them by healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists.