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Computerized quality-of-life screening in a cancer pain clinic
L E Carlson1, M Speca, N Hagen
1Department of Psychosocial Resources, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Journal of Palliative Care
|April 28, 2001
Summary
A computerized quality-of-life (QOL) screening program was well-received by cancer patients and staff. The tool effectively identified QOL issues in a busy clinic, even for those new to computers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Health Informatics
- Patient Reported Outcomes
Background:
- Cancer pain clinics manage complex patient needs.
- Assessing quality of life (QOL) is crucial for cancer patient care.
- Efficient QOL screening tools are needed in busy clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility and acceptability of a computerized QOL screening program.
- To assess patient and staff experiences with the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire.
- To determine the program's effectiveness in identifying QOL issues.
Main Methods:
- Patients in a tertiary ambulatory cancer pain clinic completed the computerized EORTC-QLQ-C30.
- A summary report of QOL data was provided to clinic staff.
- Patients and staff were surveyed post-administration.
Main Results:
- Most patients, including computer novices, found the program easy, enjoyable, and helpful.
- Patient attitudes towards computers improved significantly.
- Staff reported the QOL information as appropriate and useful.
Conclusions:
- The computerized QOL questionnaire is readily adopted by patients, including those with limited computer experience.
- The tool is valuable for identifying patient QOL issues in clinical practice.
- It serves as an appropriate and effective tool for busy cancer pain clinics.