Design and Evaluation of the Electronic Patient-Generated Index

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health-related quality of life
• Digital health tools

Background:

• The Patient-Generated Index (PGI) is an individualized measure of health-related quality of life.
• Previous research highlighted content validity issues with the paper-based PGI in oncology due to errors.
• These errors were related to navigation and computation during form completion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To refine and evaluate the usability and acceptability of an electronic PGI (ePGI) prototype.
• The study focused on the outpatient radiation oncology setting.
• The goal was to improve the PGI for better patient-reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• The pilot study employed adaptive agile web design principles.
• Cognitive interview techniques were used to gather user feedback.
• Survey methods were utilized to assess usability and acceptability.

Main Results:

• Three iterations of testing and refinement were necessary for the ePGI.
• Fifteen patients successfully used the ePGI on tablets with minimal assistance.
• High ratings for ease of use, understanding, and navigation were reported by patients.
• Clinicians found the ePGI useful for initiating discussions on quality of life and managing symptoms.

Conclusions:

• The ePGI shows potential as a valuable point-of-care tool in radiation oncology.
• Further research is needed to investigate its impact on patient decision-making and communication.
• The ePGI may enhance patient-provider dialogue regarding treatment effects and symptom management.