Preferences and motivational factors for the use of digital technology in real world oncology studies.

Abstract

e14119 Background: Patient engagement and motivation during real world oncology studies can be challenging. Digital tools have proven to be effective in reducing patient burden and improving data collection and accuracy. Given the rapid advances in health technology, patient preferences and motivations for these tools are continually evolving. This study investigates preferences for digital technology use with smartphones and wearables, telehealth, and identifies motivational factors that would drive real world study compliance for daily symptom reporting. Methods: Patients (n = 50; 68% male) diagnosed with cancer answered questions via an anonymous online survey about their technology preferences. Results: Although the majority of the population uses smartphones (99%), few oncology patients use wearable technology such as a fitness watch (18%). Of those who do not own a fitness watch, 90% were willing to use the technology in a clinical study and share their data if a watch were provided to them. However, the majority of patients (74%) would prefer to use their own smartphone during a clinical study to answer questions and conduct video calls with the study doctor. For patients who currently visit their doctor in person (98%), almost half (48%) would prefer a remote alternative such as a video call for convenience, especially when in pain. Patients reported several factors that would encourage consistent daily reporting of study data. Out of 10 options, the most motivating factor was access to health information that would help manage their symptoms on a daily basis (92%). Subsequent factors of interest included in-app reminders (88%) and assurance that a doctor would review the reported data and contact them to discuss reported symptoms (94%). Conclusions: The global market for digital health is growing rapidly, and there is a strong preference from oncology patients to shift in-person engagement and reporting to digital platforms. Patients are also highly motivated by information about their own health. Designing real world studies to incorporate these preferences may result in enhanced patient engagement, improved compliance, and higher quality data.