Cancer patients undergoing treatment will now have assistance in recalling conversations with their care team, compliments of a new app created by Alberta Health Services.

Linda Watson, Lead Person- Centred Care with Alberta Health Services, says there are many benefits to patients utilizing this app.

"Patients will experienced reduced anxiety, because of the security of knowing that they can re-listen to the complex clinical conversations they have just heard if they need help recalling specific information," she said.

Watson adds the goal is to improve communication, decision-making and satisfaction with their patients.

"We hope they feel that it improves communication between them and their family members, and other trusted care team members. As well as improved participation in decision-making and overall satisfaction in their care experiences with us," she said.

The "My Care Conversations" app was funded by the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Watson says in addition to a recording feature, the apps also offers a component for patients to prepare for upcoming appointments.

"It also allows patients to take notes during their recordings. these notes are stored, and patients can go back to them and review them, or add and modify information as needed. patients can pre-select commonly asked questions, or create their own that will automatically appear on their screen when they start their next recording," she said.

According to research, patients may forget about 80 per cent of healthcare information discussed at clinic visits.

In addition to a higher level of patient support, the goal of the app is to decrease follow-up phone calls and additional visits required for lost information.

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