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Cancer symptom control: feasibility of a tailored, interactive computerized program for patients
D J Wilkie1, H Y Huang, D L Berry
1Biobehavioral Nursing & Health Systems Department, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Family & Community Health
|September 21, 2001
Summary
This study found computerized cancer symptom assessment and education tools to be feasible for outpatients. Patients found the SymptomReport and SymptomConsult programs easy, enjoyable, and informative.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Health Informatics
- Patient Education
Background:
- Cancer patients often require ongoing symptom monitoring and education.
- Computerized tools offer potential for efficient and accessible patient support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of two computerized tools: SymptomReport for symptom assessment and SymptomConsult for tailored education.
- To gather patient impressions of these novel digital health interventions.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 41 outpatients with cancer participated.
- Patients completed SymptomReport and, if applicable, SymptomConsult.
- Audiotaped telephone interviews assessed patient experiences and impressions.
Main Results:
- SymptomReport completion averaged under 40 minutes.
- SymptomConsult completion averaged 20 minutes for 12 participants.
- High acceptability scores (11 +/- 2) and positive patient feedback regarding ease of use, enjoyment, and informativeness were reported.
Conclusions:
- The computerized symptom assessment and tailored education tools demonstrated feasibility in an outpatient oncology setting.
- Initial findings support further investigation and development of these digital health solutions for cancer care.