The RECapp platform
Each year in Sweden, around 1,400 people are diagnosed with esophageal or gastric cancer. For many, treatment involves major surgery with curative intent. Although survival rates have improved, significant challenges often remain after treatment. Recovery can be long and demanding, quality of life may be affected for an extended period, and healthcare services have limited opportunities to address each patient’s individual needs. There is therefore a clear need for better support after surgery.
Our research group has long worked in close collaboration with patients treated for esophageal and stomach cancer. We conduct research within the national OSCAR cohort, which includes more than 400 patients who have undergone surgery for esophageal cancer. By collecting extensive patient-reported data from this cohort, we have developed a deeper understanding of patients’ symptoms, needs, and recovery over time.
A needs assessment carried out together with patients has shown that many would like more continuous and personalized support. This includes the ability to monitor symptoms over time, access self-care advice, and receive clear guidance on when to seek medical care. At the same time, it is important that digital tools are designed to complement — not replace — standard healthcare.
Based on these insights, RECapp has been developed in close collaboration with patients and healthcare providers. RECapp is a digital platform for symptom monitoring and self-care, designed to provide safe, personalized support after surgery. It consists of a mobile app for patients and a web-based portal for healthcare professionals, and has been developed with a strong focus on patient safety and in accordance with current medical device regulations.
In collaboration with partners across Sweden — including all university hospitals, the patient organization PALEMA, the national quality registry NREV, and the national care program group — the RECapp study is now being prepared. This study will evaluate the clinical benefits and effectiveness of RECapp. Using the app, patients can be monitored at home for symptoms and receive individualized self-care support or guidance on when to contact healthcare services, if needed. The study has been approved by the Swedish Medical Products Agency and the Swedish Ethical Review Authority, and is planned to begin in 2026.
You can read more about the study here.
Functions in RECapp
In RECapp patients assess their symptoms or health issues regularly, and based on their responses, they receive further guidance by the app. Here you can read more about some of the features of RECapp.
Screening
Screenings are conducted regularly assessing symptoms or health issues experienced over the past week. This includes physical symptoms, mental health challenges, and other factors that may affect recovery and quality of life. The patient then answers two to three questions regarding each reported symptom or health issue.
Self-care advice
If RECapp assesses that the patient would benefit from self-care advice, individually tailored suggestions are provided by the app. Self-care advice includes tips and recommendations that patients can do on their own to alleviate or manage their symptoms or health issues. Activated self-care advice will be regularly followed up via the app.
In-depth assessment
Based on screening results, RECapp may suggest in-depth assessments. The patient can then answer more detailed questions about their symptoms or health issues. Based on the results of the in-depth assessment, RECapp advises whether the symptom burden is expected, if self-care is recommended, or if there is a need to contact healthcare services.
Healthcare provider’s tool
RECapp is currently solely used for research purposes and with the patient's healthcare provider. The patient's symptoms and health issues are shared with the healthcare provider through a secure digital interface available through log-in by the assigned healthcare professional. The patient's results in RECapp can in this way be a valuable tool for further support and help from healthcare services.