Validation of step oncology, a platform for head and neck cancer patients support during and after treatment: preliminary results.

Purpose: Head and neck cancer (HNC) remains a significant global health concern with rising incidence and substantial impacts on patients' quality of life. Patients often experience adverse effects from both the disease and its treatment, affecting daily functions and social interactions. This study assesses the usability, interest, and satisfaction of HNC patients in using Step Oncology platform for improved treatment adherence and quality of life.

Methods: A unicentric observational study was conducted at Donostia University Hospital involving 20 HNC patients, using Step Oncology platform The Step Oncology platform, an AI-powered, patient-centered tool, aims to support personalized patient care through real-world data, enhancing decision-making and symptom management. Usability was evaluated using guided scenarios and the System Usability Scale (SUS). Patients completed tasks such as symptom reporting, questionnaire access, and symptom history review. Qualitative data were collected via the "Think Aloud" method, while satisfaction and interest were measured through questionnaires.

Results: Participants successfully completed 93.75% of tasks, with challenges primarily in accessing instructions. SUS scores averaged 87.9, indicating high usability, with no significant differences based on age or technology familiarity. 90% expressed interest in continued use, and satisfaction was rated as "Excellent" or "Good" by all participants.

Conclusion: Step Oncology demonstrated high usability, satisfaction, and acceptance among HNC patients, supporting its feasibility in clinical practice. Future work includes expanding this study for broader validation and assessing the platform's long-term impact on patient adherence and outcomes in routine care.