Electronic patient-reported outcomes from home in patients recovering from major gyn cancer surgery

abstract:
Electronic patient-reported outcomes from home in patients recovering from major gynecologic cancer surgery: A prospective study measuring symptoms and health-related quality of life
 

• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
•  The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
•  Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
•  University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
•  University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA
•  Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Highlights

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A Web-based model for assessing patient reported outcomes is feasible in the immediate post-operative period.

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Many patients feel empowered by documenting and reporting PROs (PRO - patient reported outcomes) during the post-operative recovery period.

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A Web-based system for capturing PROs may require additional resources for clinically useful application.

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Purpose

We previously reported on the feasibility of a Web-based system to capture patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in the immediate postoperative period. The purpose of this study was to update the experience of these patients and assess patient and provider satisfaction and feedback regarding the system.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of patients scheduled to undergo laparotomy for presumed gynecologic malignancy. Patients completed a Web-based Symptom Tracking and Reporting (STAR) questionnaire preoperatively and weekly during a 6-week postoperative period. Email alerts were sent to study nurses when concerning patient responses were entered. The patient and the nurse assessments of STAR's usefulness were measured via an exit survey.

Results

The study enrolled 96 eligible patients. Of these, 71 patients (74%) completed at least four of seven total sessions. Of the patients who completed the exit satisfaction survey, 98% found STAR easy to use; 84% found it useful; and 82% would recommend it to other patients. Despite positive feedback from patients, clinical personnel found that the STAR system increased their current workload without enhancing patient care.

Conclusions

Application of an electronic program for PROs in those recovering from major gynecologic cancer surgery is feasible, and acceptable to most patients. While most clinicians did not find STAR clinically helpful, the majority of patients reported a positive experience with the system and would recommend its use. The program helped many patients feel more empowered in their postoperative recovery.