Automating symptom monitoring through the EHR and using a remote care team helped cancer patients avoid acute care visits, according to a Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic study published Dec. 1 in The Lancet Oncology.
The study included 50,200 patients across 15 cancer specialties from 2019 to 2023, a Dec. 2 Mayo Clinic news release said.
Participants completed surveys before or between visits, reporting symptoms such as pain, fatigue, anxiety and sleep issues. The system triggered internal responses ranging from self-care guidance to outreach from a remote nurse or social worker. This workflow enabled care teams to focus on high-priority needs while patients received timely support without additional appointments.
Patients reported reduced anxiety and depression and had 40% to 60% fewer acute care encounters, including emergency department visits, hospitalizations and ICU admissions.
Read the full study here.
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