Patient-reported outcome measures obtained via E-Health tools ease the assessment burden and encourage patient participation in cancer care (PaCC Study)

Nicole Erickson,L Liu,L Storck,F Mumm,T Schinkoethe,T Fey,A Joos,P E Ballmer,V Heinemann,C Eckhardt

doi:10.1007/s00520-021-06351-1

Nicole Erickson, L Liu + Show 8 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06351-1

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Abstract

Patient-reported outcome measures obtained via E-Health tools ease the assessment burden and encourage patient participation in cancer care (PaCC Study)BackgroundE-health based patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have the potential to automate early identification of both nutrition status and distress status in cancer patients while facilitating treatment and encouraging patient participation. This cross-sectional study assessed the acceptability, accuracy, and clinical utility of PROMs collected via E-Health tools among patients undergoing treatment for stomach, colorectal, and pancreatic tumors.ResultsEight-nine percent mostly, or completely, agreed that PROMs via tablets should be integrated in routine clinical care. Men were significantly more likely to require help completing the questionnaires than women (inv.OR= 0.51, 95% CI=(0.27, 0.95), p = 0.035). The level of help needed increased by 3% with each 1-year increase in age (inv. OR=1.03, 95% CI=(1.01, 1.06), p = 0.013). On average, a patient tended to declare weight which was 0.84 kg inferior to their true weight (Bland and Altman 95 % CI=(-3.9, 5.6); SD: 2.41) and a height which was 0.95 cm superior to their true height (Bland and Altman 95 % CI=(−5, 3.1); SD 2.08). Patient-reported nutrition status was significantly associated with the professionally generated assessment (95% CI=(2.27, 4.15), p < 0.001). As nutrition status declined, the distress score increased (95%CI=(0.88, 1.68), p < 0.001). Of the patients, 48.8% who were both distressed and malnourished requested supportive care to address their problems.ConclusionPatient-reported assessments utilizing E-health tools are an accurate and efficient method to encourage patient participation in cancer care while simultaneously ensuring that regular assessment of psycho-social and nutritional aspects of care are efficiently integrated in the daily clinical routine.

Highlights

Medical care, including oncology care, is currently shifting from a disease-centered approach to a more personalized approach
healthcare professionals (HCP), can benefit by harnessing the potential of E-health tools which integrate and automate assessments based on patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs)
A high proportion (89%) mostly, or completely, agreed that PROMs via tablets should be integrated in routine clinical care

Summary

Introduction

Medical care, including oncology care, is currently shifting from a disease-centered approach to a more personalized approach As this shift occurs, the importance of integrating patient-reported (PR) assessments into routine care of cancer patients is increasing. Until now, the burden of distributing, completing, and inputting data from both psycho-social and nutrition screening assessments with the purpose of triaging patient care is still placed largely on healthcare professionals (HCP) [1]. Both patients, and HCPs, can benefit by harnessing the potential of E-health tools which integrate and automate assessments based on patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs). Chrischiles et al found that among the general population, high-frequency users had higher odds of recognizing symptoms and adverse effects among users ≥ 65 years of age [4]

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Discussion

Conclusion