Enabling cancer patients to report their symptoms electronically improved overall quality-of-life outcomes and helped patients feel more in control of their care, according to a study published May 12 in JCO Oncology Practice.
Fifty-two U.S. oncology practices conducted the trial to better understand whether the effects of remote symptom monitoring using patient-reported outcomes varied across race, age, sex or education.
Here are five notes on the study:
- The trial enrolled 1,191 patients with metastatic solid tumors receiving systemic therapy and compared the effects of weekly electronic symptom monitoring with usual care.
- Trial participants in the patient-reported outcome group completed weekly symptom surveys either online or over the phone. Care teams were alerted to severe or worsening symptoms.
- During a three-month period, participants in the patient-reported-outcome group showed greater improvements in symptom control and physical function compared to the usual care group.
The improvements were most pronounced among patients who were younger, female, Black and had a lower level of education. - Compared with white patients, being able to report symptoms made Black patients in the patient-reported-outcome group feel more in control of their care.
- “Electronic symptom monitoring improved quality-of-life outcomes overall, including among groups who have historically experienced higher symptom burden or barriers to communication,” the study authors wrote. “Remote PRO systems may represent an equitable strategy to enhance cancer care delivery.”
Read the full study here.
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