Feasibility Study of Using Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes to Screen Patients with Advanced Solid Cancers for...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Palliative Care
• Digital Health

Background:

• Palliative care delivery in oncology is complex, with varied referral practices.
• Standardized, needs-based screening is crucial for addressing patient needs.
• Electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) offer a potential solution for systematic screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of using ePROs for palliative care screening in advanced solid cancer patients.
• To evaluate an ePRO-based palliative care screening and triage intervention.

Main Methods:

• Developed a 13-item ePRO palliative care survey.
• Conducted a pilot study with 25 advanced solid cancer patients.
• Assessed feasibility via enrollment/retention/adherence; acceptability/appropriateness via surveys and interviews.

Main Results:

• 68% enrollment rate; 96% completion and adherence.
• 84% of patients reported severe needs, with 95% receiving services.
• Patients found the ePRO survey acceptable and appropriate.

Conclusions:

• ePRO monitoring is a feasible, acceptable, and appropriate method for screening palliative care needs.
• Further research is needed to understand diverse patient perspectives and clinical workflow integration.
• This approach can help identify and address unmet palliative needs in cancer care.