Provider Perceptions Research Articles

Physician perspectives on communication quality in pediatric care.

We aimed to explore physician perspectives on communication quality across pediatric contexts. We conducted semi-structured interviews over a 4-month period. Purposive sampling was conducted to ensure a broad sampling of pediatricians from multiple subspecialties and practice settings. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was reached. An interview guide was created based on existing literature. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed for key themes. Eleven pediatricians enrolled in our study. Following thematic analysis, results were organized into four primary themes: Communication Education, High Quality Communication; Low Quality Communication; and Communication Factors and Barriers. Participants prioritized information transfer as a key aspect of communication quality. They identified communication quality as having wellness implications for clinicians. Participants prioritize information transfer and state that clinicians often neglect bidirectional information exchange. Participants often lacked formal communication skills training which may make it difficult to navigate common barriers such as language and cultural differences, lack of time, and interprofessional dysfunction. Formal communication skills training may help overcome challenges and may enhance physician wellness while improving patient care. While the importance of clinician-parent communication in pediatric settings has been established, little is known about provider perceptions of communication quality. Participants identified information transfer as a key aspect of communication quality, often neglecting bidirectional information exchange. Participants often lacked formal communication skills training which may make it difficult to navigate common barriers such as language and cultural differences, lack of time, and interprofessional dysfunction. Formal communication skills training may help with these challenges and may enhance physician wellness while improving patient care. More work is needed to explore the impact of communication skills training on each of these factors.

Evaluations of State Medical Cannabis Programs in the US: A Narrative Review

Background: Medical cannabis (MC) use is increasing across the US, with functional MC programs now operating in 38 states. While program policies and practices vary widely, little is known about whether and how states evaluate their programs. Better characterization of state MC program evaluation to date could inform states, program officials, and providers about best practices and provide a roadmap for future program evaluation. Summary: We conducted a narrative review of state MC program evaluations, including peer-reviewed literature and reports produced by independent state-based and non-state-based evaluators. Among 304 abstracts initially screened, seven evaluations met inclusion criteria. Within these evaluations, we report results according to three overarching themes: 1) evaluation characteristics, including comparison across evaluations; 2) program experience, including perceptions of providers and patients; and 3) assessment of cannabis use, including self-reported efficacy for qualifying medical conditions, patterns of medical and nonmedical cannabis use, and assessment of risk factors relevant to MC use. Additionally, we found that while goals and methods for state MC evaluations varied widely, evaluations that relied on independent, non-state entities tended to have more comprehensive and quantitatively rigorous results. Key Messages: Few states operating MC programs have completed a formal evaluation of their program. Among states that have completed an evaluation, approaches varied widely; however, common themes were also present, which may inform future state evaluation efforts. Evaluation through independent, non-state partners may provide an optimal strategy to ensure high-quality data and meaningful results.

Evaluation of the Interest and Perception of Tourism Service Providers in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Regarding the Alternative Use of Biofuels

This study addresses the need to implement sustainable alternatives in marine vessels, particularly in vulnerable environments, highlighting the potential of biofuels as a viable option for the transition towards renewable energy. The objective of the research was to evaluate the interest and perception of tourism service providers in Los Cabos, B.C.S., Mexico, regarding the alternative use of biofuels in their vessels. A total of 56 random surveys were applied and validated, and the results were as follows: 92% consider fuel to be their largest operational cost, 84.6% acknowledge that their activities impact the environment, and 80% are aware of biodiesel biofuel. Notably, more than 94% expressed interest in learning how to produce biodiesel and in using it as an alternative in their operations, while 95% believe that the use of biofuels could be a positive differentiating feature for their businesses, contributing to an eco-friendlier service. This introductory assessment is crucial as it highlights the importance of understanding the willingness of key stakeholders before adopting new technologies. It concludes that there is strong interest in exploring and adopting sustainable alternatives, reinforcing the need for further research to provide viable solutions, promoting a circular economy and fostering sustainable tourism in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Adolescent–provider relationship and perception of protection of health data: insights from the West Bank – Palestine – a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Adolescence is a crucial time for health decisions, where privacy and confidentiality, especially in Palestine, impact adolescents’ willingness to seek healthcare. This study aims to explore Palestinian adolescents’ experiences with health data protection and its impact on seeking healthcare. The findings revealed diverse perspectives on health, healthcare-seeking, and health data protection. Barriers include limited trust in healthcare providers, data security awareness, and privacy concerns, leading to hesitancy in sharing sensitive health information with healthcare providers and thus refraining from consulting them. Our study provides a sense of how Palestinian adolescents perceive privacy and confidentiality in healthcare and its impact on seeking healthcare. Adolescents in the West Bank – Palestine may face health challenges as their hesitation to seek care, driven by privacy concerns and reliance on less reliable health information, increases the risk of engaging in risky behaviours. Interventions and strategies are essential to promote better health outcomes for this population.

Improving Interprofessional Provider Perceptions About Opioid Use Disorder in the Acute Care Setting Through a Blended Educational Simulation Intervention

Background The influx of patients in the acute care setting with opioid use disorder (OUD) has outpaced many hospitals’ ability to educate interprofessional staff. This creates distressing experiences for interprofessional staff and patients, leading to moral distress and burnout in staff and poor patient outcomes. Objective The purpose of this study was to improve interprofessional staff knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward working with patients who have OUD using a blended classroom-simulation–based curriculum. Methods A preintervention and postintervention design was selected. Interprofessional staff (n = 46) participated in a blended classroom-simulation educational intervention focused on the neurobiology of OUD, stigma reduction, pain management, and harm reduction principles, followed by 3 high-fidelity simulation scenarios. Participants completed the Drug and Drug Problems Perceptions Questionnaire to measure staff self-perceived knowledge, skills, and attitudes when working with patients who use drugs before, immediately after, and again 3 and 6 months postintervention. Results Most respondents were nurses with an average of 7.6 (SD, 9.6) years of experience. The majority did not have prior training in substance use disorder before (75.6%). There was a statistically significant decrease in mean Drug and Drug Problems Perceptions Questionnaire scores across the total score mean: 55.2 (95% confidence interval, 52.2-58.3) versus 45.5 (95% confidence interval, 43.9-47.1), P < .001. Decreased score indicates improved attitude and perception. Discussion A curriculum consisting of a blended classroom-simulation intervention was successful at improving several domains regarding perceptions of caring for patients with OUD. This educational intervention can serve as a model for health care systems with goal of improving patient outcomes and staff well-being.

Perceptions of healthcare providers on factors affecting lean sustainability in the hospitals under the Ministry of Health Malaysia

ABSTRACT Introduction Despite the recognized benefits of continuous improvement programs such as lean methodologies, understanding of how to sustain these practices in Malaysia's public health sector remains limited. This qualitative study aims to explore perceptions of both policymakers and hospital-based healthcare providers (HCPs) on the factors affecting the sustainability of lean within the Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals in Malaysia. Methods Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 14 participants, including policymakers and hospital-based HCPs, using purposive sampling. A deductive thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. Results This study delineated ten primary themes: (1) Fostering lean expertise through capacity building, (2) Lean implementation approaches and processes, (3) Monitoring and evaluation of lean with performance indicators, (4) Encouraging positive behavioral change among HCPs in lean, (5) Disseminating lean findings, (6) Establishing policy for lean, (7) Incentivizing lean practices, (8) Leadership in lean practices, (9) Building and strengthening organizational capacity and (10) Values of lean. Conclusion Insights from this study reflected that sustaining lean in the MOH is a complex process and involves a multifaceted approach. Health organizations seeking to improve lean sustainability are encouraged to incorporate the themes highlighted in this study.

Perceptions and challenges of blockchain adoption in tourism industry: a study on trust, privacy and security

Purpose This study aims to investigate the perceptions of service providers in the travel and hospitality industry toward the adoption of blockchain technology (BCT), focusing on its impact on consumer experiences and expectations, especially in terms of trustworthiness and the management of privacy and security concerns. Design/methodology/approach The research used a quantitative methodology, collecting data from 135 industry practitioners across five tourism sectors (lodging, connected industries, entertainment, FandB, transportation) in Europe. This approach aimed to understand the diverse perspectives on the benefits and challenges of implementing BCT in their opera Findings The results indicate mixed perceptions regarding blockchain adoption. While there are positive views on BCT’s potential to enhance customer experience and service quality, there are significant concerns about its impact on trust and security. A consensus exists between customer and provider perspectives on BCT’s trustworthiness, but significant differences were observed in views on privacy and security enhancement. Originality/value This research contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the service providers’ and customers’ perspectives on BCT within the travel and hospitality industry. It underscores the complexities of adopting new technologies and calls for more in-depth studies to address the identified concerns, thereby offering a novel viewpoint on the adoption of distributed ledger technologies in enhancing customer experience and service delivery.

Public Perception Towards Insurance Companies in Malaysia

Nowadays, the insurance sector is regulated and driven by profit maximization, just like other providers of financial services. We have been taught that insurance is essential for peace of mind, yet customers generally have a poor perception of insurance providers, and this view is even more evident among younger clients who are so important to the industry's future. The objective of this study is to investigate factors that influence public perception of insurance companies in Malaysia, including fraud, claim settlement, and knowledge. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. This survey was conducted using questionnaires and 110 randomly selected insurance policyholders. The study's findings suggest that the public's perception of insurance companies is significantly influenced by knowledge. As a result, this outcome will assist insurance companies in developing new formulas that take the criteria mentioned above into account to serve the public interest.

Provider and community perceptions of integrated COVID-19 and routine childhood immunisation programmes in Nigeria: a qualitative exploratory study

BackgroundIn Nigeria, COVID-19 vaccines were delivered through outreach activities, as well as integrated within routine immunisation. However, evaluations of integrated approaches for novel vaccines are scarce. We aimed to understand the perceived benefits and challenges of integrating the COVID-19 vaccine within routine immunisation in Nigeria, and identify ways to strengthen this approach.MethodsWe conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with community members and healthcare workers in primary healthcare facilities (PHCs) in Jigawa (n = 16) and Oyo (n = 14) states, Nigeria from 08 August to 13 September 2022. Participants were selected purposively from PHCs. We obtained information on participants’ perception about routine immunisation, and perceived benefits and challenges associated with integrated COVID-19 vaccine delivery. Healthcare worker and community interviews were analysed separately following a thematic analysis approach.ResultsWe identified four themes that describe the community and healthcare workers’ responses, perceived impact, and the health system adaptions to the challenges associated with the integrated vaccine delivery approach. Community members expressed concern that children might be given COVID-19 vaccines instead of routine immunisations, while others appreciated the integrated approach due to their trust in the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, government, and healthcare providers. Healthcare providers perceived the integrated approach as improving vaccination coverage and awareness but noted additional problems of increased workload, vaccine scarcity, and prolonged clinic visits. Insufficient resources were subsisting barriers to effective integration in both states, but the provider’s gender was also a challenge in Jigawa state. Additionally, the use of incentives to generate demand had ambiguous effects in Jigawa state.ConclusionTaking an integrated approach to deliver COVID-19 vaccines was acceptable by healthcare providers but community members expressed concerns. Given existing vaccination programmes have persistent challenges, it is pertinent to address these barriers to enhance effectiveness of an integrated approach.

Embracing LLM Feedback: the role of feedback providers and provider information for feedback effectiveness

Feedback is an integral part of learning in higher education and is increasingly being provided to students via modern technologies like Large Language Models (LLMs). But students’ perception of feedback from LLMs vs. feedback from educators remains unclear even though it is an important facet of feedback effectiveness. Further, feedback effectiveness can be negatively influenced by various factors; For example, (not) knowing certain characteristics about the feedback provider may bias a student’s reaction to the feedback process. To assess perceptions of LLM feedback and mitigate the negative effects of possible biases, this study investigated the potential of providing provider-information about feedback providers. In a 2×2 between-subjects design with the factors feedback provider (LLM vs. educator) and provider-information (yes vs. no), 169 German students evaluated feedback message and provider perceptions. Path analyses showed that the LLM was perceived as more trustworthy than an educator and that the provision of provider-information led to improved perceptions of the feedback. Furthermore, the effect of the provider and the feedback on perceived trustworthiness and fairness changed when provider-information was provided. Overall, our study highlights the importance of further research on feedback processes that include LLMs due to their influential nature and suggests practical recommendations for designing digital feedback processes.

Public and health care provider attitudes, understanding, and behaviors regarding emergency use authorizations: a scoping literature review

BackgroundUnder Sect. 564 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, when the US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary issues a declaration based on one of four types of determinations, FDA may authorize an unapproved product or unapproved uses of an approved product for emergency use. It is unclear how much the public and health care providers understand about emergency use authorizations and how that understanding influences perceptions or behavioral intentions. The current study aimed to explore consumer and health care provider perceptions of emergency use authorizations and how promotion of emergency use authorizations has been investigated in the literature.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL for original research published in English from January 1, 2012, through November 10, 2022. We conducted surveillance of the literature through March 2023.ResultsWe identified 13 studies reported in 14 publications that addressed public and health care provider attitudes, understanding, and behaviors with regard to products authorized under an emergency use authorization. We did not identify any articles describing research regarding the promotion of emergency use authorization products. Findings suggest gaps in understanding of emergency use authorizations, both for the public and health care providers. Findings also suggest the public and health care providers have concerns about safety or the lack of full FDA approval that may contribute to decreased willingness to receive treatments and vaccines under an emergency use authorization.ConclusionsFuture research should explore how emergency use authorizations have been promoted and how that promotion impacts public and health care provider perceptions.

Organizational Climate Related to Patient-Perpetrated Sexual Harassment: VA Primary Care Provider Perceptions.

Patient-perpetrated sexual harassment toward health care providers is common and adversely affects provider well-being, workforce outcomes, and patient care. Organizational climate for sexual harassment-shared perceptions about an organization's practices, policies, and procedures-is one of the strongest predictors of harassment prevalence. We conducted a pilot survey assessing provider perceptions of the Veterans Health Administration (VA)'s climate related to patient-perpetrated sexual harassment. Responding providers completed a survey assessing: (1) experiences with patient-perpetrated sexual harassment, (2) beliefs about VA's responses to patient-perpetrated sexual harassment of staff, and (3) perceptions of VA's organizational climate related to sexual harassment for each of 4 perpetrator-target pairings (patient-perpetrated harassment of staff, patient-perpetrated harassment of patients, staff-perpetrated harassment of staff, and staff-perpetrated harassment of patients). Respondents included 105 primary care providers (staff physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) at 15 facilities in the VA Women's Health Practice-Based Research Network. Seventy-one percent of responding providers reported experiencing patient-perpetrated sexual harassment in the past 6 months. Respondent perceptions of VA's responses to patient-perpetrated harassment of staff were mixed (eg, indicating that VA creates an environment where harassment is safe to discuss but that it fails to offer adequate guidance for responding to harassment). Respondents rated organizational climate related to patient-perpetrated harassment of staff as significantly more negative compared with climate related to other perpetrator-target pairings. Future work with representative samples is needed to corroborate these findings, which have potential ramifications for VA's ongoing efforts to create a safe, inclusive environment of care.

Contextual factors associated with successful alcohol screening and brief intervention implementation and sustainment in adult primary care

IntroductionHazardous drinking is a public health problem affecting approximately 20 % of the U.S. primary care population. Clinical trials have documented the efficacy and effectiveness of Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention (ASBI), yet widespread implementation remains elusive, and questions remain regarding optimal implementation and sustainment strategies. Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) implemented systematic ASBI in adult primary care in mid-2013. We used 8 years of electronic health record (EHR) data, combined with surveys which captured primary care provider perceptions organized into PRISM (Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model) implementation framework domains (Intervention, External Environment, Implementation Infrastructure, and Recipients), to characterize ASBI implementation and sustainment and test how various factors are associated with ASBI rates. MethodsUsing EHR data, we calculated yearly screening rates of adults with a primary care visit, and brief intervention (BI) rates among those with a positive hazardous drinking screen, (exceeding the age and sex-specific daily and weekly low-risk NIH guidelines (≤3 per day and ≤ 7 per week for women and older men; ≤4 per day and ≤ 14 per week for men 18–65)), across KPNC, from 2014 to 2021. We collected web-based survey data, informed by the PRISM domains, from primary care providers (n = 796; 35.5 % RR) to assess perceptions on ASBI implementation and sustainability. ResultsBetween 1/1/2014 and 12/31/21 there were 5,072,270 completed screenings and 624,167 BIs. After adjusting for patient panel characteristics, we found that facilities with higher Implementation Infrastructure domain scores, indicating more robust implementation capacity, had higher screening and BI rates; facilities with higher Intervention domain scores, indicating positive perceptions of SBIRT evidence, and facilities with higher Recipients domain scores, indicating perceived organizational robustness, clinician culture and management support; and greater perceived patient needs and their likely benefit from SBIRT, had higher BI rates. ConclusionsResults provide information on factors which may facilitate successful ASBI implementation and sustainability and could inform future ASBI implementation efforts in healthcare system settings. In particular, efforts toward bolstering an organization's implementation infrastructure capacity, prior to embarking on implementation of a systematic ASBI program, could potentially help pave the way for successful implementation.

Public perceptions of for-profit and nonprofit affordable rental housing providers

ABSTRACT This study uses a vignette experiment to examine public perceptions of for-profit and nonprofit affordable rental housing providers in a controlled environment. Consistent with the contract failure hypothesis, results suggest nonprofits generally are viewed more favorably than for-profits, both in terms of their perceived legitimacy to participate in the preservation of affordable rental housing and their perceived likelihood of treating affordable rental housing residents fairly. These findings offer some evidence that the framing of an affordable rental housing provider’s profit motive can have a significant impact on its ability to garner public support - support that is oftne necessary to carry out its work.

Provider Perspectives, Barriers, and Improvement Strategies for Hospital Discharge Support Programs: A Focus Group Interview Study.

Transitional periods, such as patient discharge, are notably challenging. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of providers involved in hospital discharge support programs, identify the primary obstacles, and propose strategies for improvement. In this qualitative cross-sectional study, we interviewed 49 healthcare professionals, comprising doctors, nurses, and social workers, who participated in two pilot programs. We organized focus group interviews with 3-6 participants per group, segmented by the type of discharge support program and profession. For data analysis, we employed phenomenological analysis, a qualitative method. Participants recognized the importance of the discharge support program and anticipated its benefits. The Rehabilitation Hospital Discharge Patient Support Program saw more active involvement from doctors than the Establishment of a Public Health-Medical Collaboration System program. Both programs highlighted the critical need for more staff and better compensation, as identified by the doctors. Nurses and social workers cited the heavy documentation burden, uncooperative attitudes from patients and local governments, and other issues. They also anticipated that program improvements could be achieved through the standardization of regional welfare services and better coordination by local governments serving as welfare service regulators. All groups-doctors, nurses, and social workers-underscored the significance of promoting these programs. Discharge support programs are crucial for patients with functional impairments and severe illnesses, particularly in ensuring continuity of care. Policy support is essential for the successful implementation of these programs in South Korea.

Human trafficking victims in Portugal: Perceptions of service providers

This study aims to explore the perceptions of service providers in Portugal, specifically regarding (i) how victims of human trafficking are aided; (ii) the victims’ needs and their understanding of the “condition of special vulnerability”; and (iii) the opinions of service providers on the obstacles victims face in seeking and receiving assistance. According to our research, most organizations offered assistance, ranging from legal aid to food and lodging, to victims of all ages, genders, and forms of exploitation. Participants recognized that the needs of human trafficking victims differ from those of victims of other crimes, such as domestic abuse survivors, particularly in terms of the unique challenges they face in rebuilding trust. They also identified challenges in delivering assistance, including insufficient financial resources, inadequate interinstitutional cooperation, and the victims’ lack of cooperation. Fear of traffickers along with feelings of humiliation, embarrassment, and fear of reprisal against themselves or their families were cited as major reasons why victims refuse assistance.

Patient Safety and Perception of Quality in University Dental Hospitals: A French National Survey

Objectives Patient safety is poorly developed in dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of patient safety perception and quality culture in French university dental hospitals. Methods A national survey was performed using a questionnaire that was sent electronically to dental students, teachers, senior professionals, and paramedics of the university dental clinics that volunteered to participate. The profile of the respondents, their involvement in quality teams, the occurrence of adverse events, and the organization of the department were explored. Results Of the 17 university dental hospitals in France, 15 volunteered to participate, representing 681 respondents (65.9% students, 26.9% dentists, 3.7% paramedics, and 3.5% residents). Despite 58% of the respondents being aware of the procedure for declaring adverse events, only 28% of them had ever declared at least one. All professionals were aware of the high incidence of adverse events in their clinics. The perception of well-being and organization was low, especially for the items “adequation between tasks and number of professionals” and for “task organization.” The perception of “team spirit and feeling of respect” was good. Conclusions The survey highlighted the need for courses and meetings on patient safety and quality, but also the good perception of dental care providers regarding patient safety. The lack of materials and of human resources emerged as a key point for improving patient safety in university dental hospitals. Nonetheless, communication was also perceived as very important and could be improved without incurring costs and through internal solutions.

Provider Perceptions and Use of Audit-Feedback and Communication Strategies to Improve Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake

ObjectiveHuman papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake remains suboptimal among US adolescents. A cluster randomized trial was conducted at six primary care practices in southeast Minnesota to assess the impact of parent reminder-recall letters and provider audit-feedback reports on 11–12-year-old HPV vaccine uptake. Audit-feedback reports included access to a web toolkit with instruction on two communication approaches. We evaluated the process of the audit-feedback report intervention to inform future adaptations. MethodsWe sent a survey to providers assigned to the intervention and asked about their use and perceptions of the reports, web toolkit, the communication approaches, and HPV vaccine recommendation. ResultsSurveys from 95 providers were analyzed. Most (97.9%) recalled receiving audit-feedback reports, with 92.4% finding them somewhat to very easy to understand, 86% somewhat to very familiar with their content and objectives, and 69.9% using them five or more times in the past year. Few respondents (11.6%) recalled receiving access to the web toolkit. Web analytics showed that the toolkit was rarely used. Most reported familiarity with communication approaches but less than half reported that these positively impacted the tone of the clinical encounter. Higher familiarity with audit-feedback reports (OR=2.58) and perceived peer approval about using presumptive language (the first of two communication approaches) to recommend HPV vaccination (OR=2.16) correlated with higher frequency of vaccine recommendation. ConclusionsImplementation of the audit-feedback reports showed good acceptability. Low utilization of the web toolkit suggests a need to further examine provider preferences on delivery and usability of training materials.

An ICT-enabled community oriented primary care intervention in mining communities during COVID-19 (2019–2022): perceived changes in the role and place of community health workers

BackgroundThis is a study of service provider perceptions of the place, role and practices of CHWs in a four-year, large-scale private sector funded, public service ICT-enabled COPC intervention with rural and remote mining communities. Like all South African communities, apart from large mining house employees and some contractors, most people use available public healthcare services and private traditional as well as limited allopathic private sector providers. In addition to the limitations of facility centred primary healthcare and a fragmented health care system, the many negative health effects of mining on the communities, go unattended.MethodsThis is a rapid, qualitative pragmatic study. Using site and participation convenience sampling, 37 semi-structured individual or group interviews were conducted with 57 stakeholders from 38 of the 135 intervention PHC facilities. Using a data driven, inductive approach, the results were analysed thematically in terms of perceived changes in the role and place of CHWs.ResultsCHWs registered 42 490 households and captured the demographic and social profiles as well as the health status of over 154 910 individuals using AitaHealth™. These data provided healthcare professionals and managers with knowledge about community demographics, at-risk groups and vulnerable individuals. The intervention changed the locational focus of CHW practice and expanded their scope of work and competencies in household comprehensive health education, advice and care. It led to a growth in community and professional confidence in CHWs as trusted members of mining community PHC teams and to more focused and efficient clinic work.ConclusionThis ICT-enabled COPC intervention adopted a comprehensive approach to healthcare delivery that started by including CHWs in PHC teams and locating them in communities. Inclusive and systematic continuous learning, clinically-led CHW service support and ICT-enabled information technology engendered trust in CHWs as competent PHC members, and grew community confidence in them and the PHC system as a whole. Although health, care and other professionals and workers valued the changes the intervention brought to their work as well as people’s lives in underserved and vulnerable mining communities, its sustainability is contingent on the vagaries of political will and financial commitment.

Patient and provider perceptions of the benefits and limitations of implementing ePRO-driven remote symptom monitoring into real-world cancer care settings.

325 Background: Remote symptom monitoring (RSM) utilizes electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) to facilitate the monitoring and management of treatment-related symptoms outside of traditional healthcare appointment settings. Research suggests benefits surrounding the implementation of RSM; however, there is a literature gap regarding patient and provider perceptions of its implemented use. Methods: This qualitative study included patients and providers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and the Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) in Mobile, Alabama, who participated in semi-structured interviews aimed at gaining insight into the experiences of and perceptions surrounding RSM utilization. Interviews occurred over the phone, via digital videoconference, or in person, and were transcribed and inductively coded using NVivo software alongside a constant comparative method to establish a grounded coding schema. Results: Forty patients (20 UAB; 20 MCI) and 30 oncology providers (16 UAB; 14 MCI) identified 25 benefits across 3 overarching themes. Patients and providers found RSM Facilitated Proactive Management enabling early symptom identification and intervention, which helped to reduce symptom burden. Both groups also noticed RSM Improved Therapeutic Alliance, by fostering the relationship between the patient and their care team and enhancing the patient’s sense of safety and security through continued and sincere communication. Patients and providers also discussed how RSM Promoted Self-Efficacy and Management among Patients by allowing patients to feel involved and in control of their care, while giving them an inclination to be active members in their care. Providers felt that more active patient involvement in care contributed to a more accurate and thorough reporting of symptoms. Patients and providers also noted drawbacks regarding RSM, including lack of need in cases of no or mild symptoms. Conclusions: Patients and providers recognized the impact RSM had on patient care during cancer treatment. However, given some of the perceived limitations, patient and provider evaluations should continue to ensure successful implementation in future clinical trials. Clinical trial information: NCT04809740 .