Empirical research
Integrating Patient-Reported Measures into Routine Cancer Care: Cancer Patients’ and Clinicians’ Perceptions of Acceptability and Value
Authors:
Angela Stover ,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Debra E. Irwin,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Ronald C. Chen,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bhishamjit S. Chera,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Deborah K. Mayer,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hyman B. Muss,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Donald L. Rosenstein,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Thomas C. Shea,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
William A. Wood,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bryce B. Reeve
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Abstract
Introduction: Despite growing interest in integrating patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures of symptoms and functional status into routine cancer care, little attention has been paid to patients’ and clinicians’ perceptions of acceptability and value.
Methods: A two-phase qualitative study was conducted to develop a web-based PRO screening system with 21 items assessing symptoms (e.g., nausea) and functional status. Phase 1 involved cognitive interviews with 35 cancer outpatients (n=9 breast chemotherapy, radiation for prostate (n=8) or head and neck cancer (n=10), and n=8 bone marrow transplant [BMT]). In Phase 2, we evaluated the acceptability and perceived value of reviewing a PRO measure during real-time clinical encounters with 39 additional outpatients (n=10 breast, n=9 head and neck, n=10 prostate, n=10 BMT) and 12 clinicians (n=3 breast, n=2 head and neck, n=4 prostate, n=3 BMT). At least 20% of patients were ≥60 years, African American, or ≤ high school.
Results: Patients felt that their PRO summary of symptoms and functional status was helpful in discussing health issues with clinicians (92%), wanted to review their results with clinicians during future visits (82%), and would recommend it to other patients (87%). Clinicians found the PRO summary to be easy to interpret (83%), most helpful for documenting the Review of Symptoms (92%), and would recommend it to future patients (92%). Over 90% of clinicians reported that consultation time did not increase.
Conclusion: Both cancer patients and clinicians reported that discussing a PRO summary of symptoms and functional status during an outpatient visit was useful, acceptable, and feasible.
How to Cite:
Stover A, Irwin DE, Chen RC, Chera BS, Mayer DK, Muss HB, et al.. Integrating Patient-Reported Measures into Routine Cancer Care: Cancer Patients’ and Clinicians’ Perceptions of Acceptability and Value. eGEMs (Generating Evidence & Methods to improve patient outcomes). 2015;3(1):17. DOI: http://doi.org/10.13063/2327-9214.1169
Published on
29 Oct 2015.
Peer Reviewed
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