MyPath KY

Functionality & Mechanism

MyPath KY is a remote screening and referral system designed for cancer patients. The application leverages a digital version of the NCCN Distress Thermometer to systematically assess patient-reported distress and identify practical barriers to care, such as needs for transportation, food, or housing. Based on the captured input, the system automatically matches patients with a curated directory of local community-based services. The interface, built on Apple's ResearchKit and CareKit frameworks, facilitates a direct connection between identified needs and available resources.

Evidence & Research Context

• The app, evaluated in research under the name 'Assuage', was assessed in pilot usability studies (total N=45) specifically with medically underserved cancer patients.
• A key study (N=30) focused on older (80% >50 years), rural (83%), and mHealth-inexperienced (70%) patients, demonstrating above-average usability with a mean System Usability Scale score of 75.8.
• The research established that certain user interfaces built with Apple's ResearchKit and CareKit frameworks achieve "good" usability (SUS score ≥80) for this population with minimal design alterations.

Intended Use & Scope

This application is an adjunct screening tool for cancer patients to self-identify distress and practical barriers to care. Its primary utility is to facilitate timely connections to non-clinical, community-based support services. The tool does not provide medical advice, deliver mental health interventions, or replace consultation with a clinical care team regarding patient distress levels.