Patient-reported outcomes in routine oncology care: Perceptions, execution, and barriers.

Abstract

162 Background: There has been an increased emphasis on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in recent oncology trials, and the benefits of incorporating PRO assessments during routine care have been established. The aim of the present study was to assess the perceptions, adoption and barriers to implementation of PROs in community practices during routine care. Methods: A live meeting in September 2019 surveyed US-based community oncology health care providers (HCPs), including medical oncologists/hematologists and advanced practice providers (APPs; defined as nurse practitioners and physician assistants) regarding their perceptions of PROs and their adoption of PROs during routine patient care. Participants completed both a web-based premeeting survey and live queries captured via audience response system. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: 71 HCPs (51 medical oncologists/hematologists and 20 APPs) participated. HCPs described their practices as: urban 50%, suburban 37%, and rural 13%. Over 80% reported having collected PRO data from their patients. Over 90% indicated that PROs are important to guide their treatment of patients, irrespective of the data sources (clinical studies or in real-world). Commonly collected PRO data included disease symptoms (66%), activities of daily living (62%), physical function (61%) and adverse events (59%). The NCCN Distress Thermometer (41%) was reported as the most common PRO instrument used during routine oncology care (Table). Despite understanding the importance of implementing PROs, 54% indicated that more resources (software and incentive systems) are needed, and 53% said that discussing PRO results with each patient is critical to facilitate the collection and utilization of PRO data. 84% were unaware of results of a seminal study which demonstrated that PROs improve quality of life and survival (Basch et al 2016, 2017). Conclusions: Most of the community oncology providers surveyed collected PRO data and acknowledged its value. However, more resources are needed to increase collection and use of PROs during routine care. Education directed towards community oncology providers is needed to highlight the value that PROs can add in cancer care. [Table: see text]