Advancing Oncology Nursing Practice Through the Adoption of Patient Monitoring Digital Tools

The objective of this paper is to describe the use of oncology digital symptom monitoring and patient self-management coaching tools, how nurses and nurse practitioners (NPs) can optimize their use as an adjunct in improving oncology care and discuss issues and strategies needed for adoption within a variety of clinical settings.

A review of the research literature regarding digital health in oncology symptom management in PubMed provided the foundation for this paper.

Digital symptom monitoring technology provides a variety of opportunities for oncology nurses and NPs to efficiently extend and improve symptom management in multiple settings including cancer patients at home between clinic visits, at clinic visits, and during inpatient stays. Digital monitoring and patient engagement make possible frequent symptom assessments, just-in-time personalized self-management reinforcement, and judiciously alert nurses and NPs about key times for follow-up with patients supported with evidenced-based guidelines. Oncology nurses at all levels have the opportunity to be leaders in the adoption and expansion of digital tools to enhance their practice.

Oncology nurses and NPs can lead practice changes that improve patient outcomes through understanding and shaping the use of digital tools.