Assessing the clinical significance of real-time quality of life (QOL) data in cancer patients treated with radiation therapy.

Abstract

9107 Background: The importance of patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and QOL domains have been shown to be prognostic in clinical trials, but few applications exist in practice. This study is being performed to determine if real-time patient-reported QOL can be collected and effectively used by the radiation therapy (RT) team in patient care. Methods: Atwo-arm, longitudinal design study with 132 head and neck, GI, and lung cancer patients receiving curative RT is ongoing. Data collection occurs in two phases: control and active intervention groups, 66 patients each. At baseline and weeks 1, 3, 5 and last week of RT, patients complete a web based, electronic Linear Analogue Self Assessment (LASA) tool while care providers complete a Global Satisfaction Score questionnaire. The Interpersonal Patient-Provider Relationship Scale (IPPR), and the Was it Worth It (WIWI) questionnaires are completed during the last week of RT. Control phase data collection is complete. We present the QOL data from the control phase and the strategy for implementation of real-time electronic PRO data collection. Results: Results from the control group phase revealed thatof 66 patients 92.4%, 87.9%, 77.3%, 80.3%, 72.8% had LASA data at baseline, weeks 1, 3, 5 and last week respectively; 74.2% had IPPR and 72.8% had WIWI data. Decreased LASA scores in the realms of overall QOL (p-value=0.0022), mental well being (p-value=0.0091), physical well being (p-value=0.0257), and social activity level (p-value=0.0118) occurred during RT. There was an increased LASA pain during RT (p-value=0.0498). 83% of patients felt that it was worth while to participate in this study and 96% would participate in this study again or recommend others to participate. 90% of physicians/nurse/nurse practitioners are satisfied/highly satisfied with the communication with their patient during the visit. Conclusions: This study represented the first reported use of electronic collection of real-time QOL data during weekly RT. We have demonstrated that real-time collection of QOL data is feasible, acceptable, and provides patient reported information felt useful to the clinical team. No significant financial relationships to disclose.