Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Engagement and Acceptability of the Untire mHealth App

This research is investigating a new phone app called 'Untire', designed to help adults who feel very tired because of cancer or its treatment. This kind of tiredness is known as cancer-related fatigue. The main goal is to see how much people use the app and if they find it helpful and easy to use. We'll check in with them at different times over 12 weeks to ask about their experience. Secondly, the study wants to find out if using the Untire app can really make a difference by reducing this tiredness and improving how people feel about their overall quality of life. Participants will be recruited from NHS cancer centres, charities like Macmillan, and social media groups.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Bath

Enrolment target

Start

15 Dec 2023

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2025

What is this study about?

When you have cancer or are going through treatment, it's very common to feel extremely tired. This isn't just ordinary tiredness; it's called cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and it can seriously affect your daily life. Doctors and researchers are always looking for new ways to help people manage this.

One promising approach is using smartphone apps, often called 'mHealth' tools. These apps can offer support and strategies right on your phone. The 'Untire' app is one such tool, which was developed in 2018 specifically to help with cancer-related fatigue. This study wants to understand if the Untire app is something people genuinely use, like, and stick with over time. Sometimes, people stop using apps, so we want to see how engaging and acceptable this one is.

Beyond how people use the app, the study also aims to get an early idea of whether the Untire app actually helps reduce tiredness and improves how people feel overall – their quality of life. While this study is an early step, finding out if the app is helpful and well-received is important for future research and for offering new ways to support people dealing with cancer-related fatigue.

Key takeaways

The study tests an app called 'Untire' for cancer-related tiredness.
It checks if people use and like the app, and if it helps them feel better.
Participation involves using an app for 12 weeks and answering questions.
You need to be an adult with cancer-related tiredness and a smartphone.
No clinic visits are needed; everything is done remotely.
Your involvement helps improve future support for others with cancer.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) who currently has cancer or has had cancer in the past. You should be experiencing moderate to severe tiredness that you feel is related to your cancer or its treatment. You'll also need to have access to a smartphone, tablet, or iPad (either Apple or Android).

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you are under 18, or if English isn't your main language. Also, if you have a significant mental health condition like severe depression, a psychotic disorder, or a severe anxiety disorder that you're currently receiving treatment for, you wouldn't be able to join.

Similarly, if you've been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME), myalgic encephalomyelitis, or fibromyalgia, or if you've already used the Untire app before, this study wouldn't be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have cancer or have you had cancer in the past?
Do you feel moderate to severe tiredness that you believe is due to your cancer or treatment?
Do you own a smartphone, tablet, or iPad?
Have you *not* used the Untire app before?
Do you *not* have other specific conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome or severe mental health conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would primarily be using the 'Untire' app on your smartphone or tablet over a period of 12 weeks. There are no clinic visits required, as all participation is done through the app and some questionnaires. You will be asked to answer questions about your fatigue and quality of life at the beginning of the study, and then again after 12 weeks. Additionally, you'll be asked about your experience with the app after 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks of using it. The researchers will also look at how often and for how long you use the app's features. There are no specific medications involved in this study, as it focuses on the app itself. The total duration of your active involvement in the study would be 12 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is that you might find the Untire app helpful in managing your cancer-related fatigue and improving your overall well-being. By participating, you would also be helping researchers understand more about how digital tools can support people with cancer, which could help others in the future. The main risks are likely to be minimal, perhaps feeling a bit tired from answering questionnaires or finding the app less useful than you hoped. You are always free to stop using the app and withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Bath, United Kingdom
University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Bristol, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is cancer-related fatigue?

It's a very common and often overwhelming tiredness that people feel because of cancer or its treatment, and it's not usually relieved by rest.

What is the 'Untire' app?

It's a phone app specifically designed to help people manage and cope with cancer-related fatigue.

How long will I need to use the app?

The study asks you to use the app and answer some questions over a 12-week period.

Do I need to visit a hospital or clinic?

No, this study is done entirely through your smartphone or tablet, so there are no in-person visits.

Can I still participate if I'm having cancer treatment?

Yes, if you meet the other criteria, you can participate whether you are currently having treatment or are a cancer survivor.