Prototype cancer app aimed at younger patients

Otago Polytechnic learners have been working with the Southern DHB develop a prototype app aimed at helping adolescents and young adults who are living with cancer.

The Southern District Health Board (DHB) approached Otago Polytechnic for help to develop an app to meet a need identified by adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with cancer — to have mobile access to their treatment information, aiding their transition to life outside hospital.

The AYA Rangatahi Uruwhenua passport app would include personal health information, cancer diagnosis, treatment information, follow-up guidelines, information about potential late effects of treatment (for example, the risk of depression), tips for healthy living, and contact details for treatment team members and the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service.

In the first half of 2017 a team of Otago Polytechnic Bachelor of Design (Communication) students created initial screen designs. Otago Polytechnic Bachelor of Information Technology students  then used those designs to build an Android app.

Currently a working prototype, the AYA Rangatahi Uruwhenua passport app has yet to be developed to its full capacity. Final stages of development would include adding password protection. The app would also require DHB onsite server support.

The AYA Rangatahi Uruwhenua passport app will be on display at Dunedin Techweek, to held on 19-27 May.

Dunedin Techweek Ambassador and Operations and Engagement Co-ordinator of Dunedin’s SIGNAL ICT Grad School, Kylie Jackson, says Techweek aims to bring together people from within Dunedin’s growing tech sector. It is also a chance for people to explore career options within the sector.

“This festival will allow the tech community to connect and share expertise. It will show Dunedin to be an up-and-coming tech and innovation centre.

“We have an abundance of success stories due to the city’s many tech education and research opportunities, and strong ties with industry.

“We also want to promote tech career opportunities for young people and encourage diversity in tech.”

Event venues will include Otago Polytechnic, the SIGNAL ICT School for Graduates, Innov8HQ and Petridish co-working space in Vogel St, Otago Museum and Dunedin libraries.

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