Implementation of electronic patient-reported outcomes in supportive care for oncology patients

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have become increasingly important in oncology, capturing the patient perspective on symptoms, treatment effects, and health-related quality of life. Transitioning to electronic platforms (ePROs) enables real-time monitoring, efficient integration into clinical workflows, and enhanced patient-centered care. This review explores recent evidence on the clinical utility, barriers, and future directions of integrating ePROs in supportive care in oncology.

ePROs improve symptom control, quality of life, engagement, and in some studies, overall survival. They support earlier clinical interventions, reducing emergency visits and hospitalizations and help improve outcomes. Barriers persist at system (infrastructure, interoperability, and data security), clinician (workflow disruption, time constraints, and alert fatigue), and patient (digital literacy, access, and usability) levels. Mitigation strategies include organizational support, clinician champions, codesigned inclusive platforms, and robust privacy safeguards. Emerging opportunities involve integration with artificial intelligence, big data, and decision-support systems to advance precision oncology and population health management.

ePROs represent a transformative approach in supportive cancer care. Overcoming multilevel barriers and harnessing digital innovations are essential to optimize clinical outcomes, equity, and long-term sustainability.