Exploring the use of tablet computer-based electronic data capture system to assess patient reported measures among patients with chronic kidney disease: a pilot study

Abstract

BackgroundCollecting patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) via computer-based electronic data capture system may improve feasibility and facilitate implementation in clinical care. We report our initial experience about the acceptability of touch-screen tablet computer-based, self-administered questionnaires among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including stage 5 CKD treated with renal replacement therapies (RRT) (either dialysis or transplant).MethodsWe enrolled a convenience sample of patients with stage 4 and 5 CKD (including patients on dialysis or after kidney transplant) in a single-centre, cross-sectional pilot study. Participants completed validated questionnaires programmed on an electronic data capture system (DADOS, Techna Inc., Toronto) on tablet computers. The primary objective was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of using tablet-based electronic data capture in patients with CKD. Descriptive statistics, Fischer’s exact test and multivariable logistic regression models were used for data analysis.ResultsOne hundred and twenty one patients (55% male, mean age (± SD) of 58 (±14) years, 49% Caucasian) participated in the study. Ninety-two percent of the respondents indicated that the computer tablet was acceptable and 79% of the participants required no or minimal help for completing the questionnaires. Acceptance of tablets was lower among patients 70 years or older (75% vs. 95%; p = 0.011) and with little previous computer experience (81% vs. 96%; p = 0.05). Furthermore, a greater level of assistance was more frequently required by patients who were older (45% vs. 15%; p = 0.009), had lower level of education (33% vs. 14%; p = 0.027), low health literacy (79% vs. 12%; p = 0.027), and little previous experience with computers (52% vs. 10%; p = 0.027).ConclusionsTablet computer-based electronic data capture to administer PROMs was acceptable and feasible for most respondents and could therefore be used to systematically assess PROMs among patients with CKD. Special consideration should focus on elderly patients with little previous computer experience, since they may require more assistance with completion.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12882-017-0771-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

How should electronic health records be designed? A cross-sectional study in patients with psoriasis

“…In our study, older patients are more sceptical about entering data into an EHR, which corresponds with results of another study revealing that older patients show lower levels of acceptance and require more help when using an EHR [8]. Moreover, our study shows differences in preferred devices and frequency of data entry with regard to patients’ level of education.…”

“…Depending on the specific design patients’ degree of involvement differs in the process of data management. While some systems are only accessible by clinicians and healthcare staff [4], in others the patient reads the physician’s notes [5, 6] or enters information into the EHR [7, 8]. Latter forms put the patient into the place of an active stakeholder in the process of care delivery.…”

“…Utilization could be facilitated by easy accessibility, compatibility for different devices, and availability of support systems [13]. Nevertheless, patients’ preferences regarding the design and technical realization of an EHR differ with regard to patient characteristics [8].…”

Feasibility of Tablet-Based Patient-Reported Symptom Data Collection Among Hemodialysis Patients

“…[16][17][18] Existing data suggest that tablet-based ePROM capture is acceptable to individuals with kidney disease, including those receiving home hemodialysis. [19][20][21] Less is known about ePROM administration to in-center hemodialysis patients, who experience greater burdens of cognitive dysfunction and comorbidities affecting dexterity. 22 We converted a paper-based symptom PROM to an ePROM and assessed its usability.…”

Evaluating symptom burden in kidney transplant recipients: validation of the revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System for kidney transplant recipients – a single‐center, cross‐sectional study

“…Patients were approached and gave written informed consent while waiting for their scheduled dialysis visits and completed the study questionnaire (sociodemographic questions, ESAS‐r and legacy questionnaires) on an electronic data capture system (Data Driven Outcomes System, Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto) using tablet devices .…”