Physicians’ Perceptions of Clinical Utility of a Digital Health Tool for Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Monitoring in Real-Life Hematology Practice. Evidence From the GIMEMA-ALLIANCE Platform

Abstract

Digital health tools are increasingly being used in cancer care and may include electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) monitoring systems. We examined physicians’ perceptions of usability and clinical utility of a digital health tool (GIMEMA-ALLIANCE platform) for ePRO monitoring in the real-life practice of patients with hematologic malignancies. This tool allows for the collection and assessment of ePROs with real-time graphical presentation of results to medical staff. Based on a predefined algorithm, automated alerts are sent to medical staff. Participating hematologists completed an online survey on their experience with the platform. Of the 201 patients invited to participate between December 2020 and June 2021 (cut-off date for current analysis), 180 (90%) agreed to enter the platform and had a median age of 57 years. Twenty-three hematologists with a median age of 42 years and an average of 17 years of experience in clinical practice were surveyed. All hematologists agreed or strongly agreed that the platform was easy to use, and 87%, agreed or strongly agreed that ePROs data were useful to enhance communication with their patients. The majority of physicians (78%) accessed the platform at least once per month to consult the symptom and health status profile of their patients. The frequency of access was independent of physician sex (p=0.393) and years of experience in clinical practice (p=0.404). In conclusion, our preliminary results support the clinical utility, from the perspective of the treating hematologist, of integrating ePROs into the routine cancer care of patients with hematologic malignancies.

Early palliative care for solid and blood cancer patients and caregivers: Quantitative and qualitative results of a long-term experience as a case of value-based medicine

“…Remarkably, the systematic monitoring of PROs via web-based platforms, was also found to be associated with improved overall survival in patients with advanced cancers ( 67 , 68 ). Finally, a study examining physicians' perceptions of usability and clinical utility of a digital health tool (GIMEMA-ALLIANCE platform) for ePRO monitoring in the real-life practice of patients with hematologic malignancies found that all hematologists participating in the study agreed or strongly agreed that the platform was easy to use, and 87%, agreed or strongly agreed that ePROs data were useful to enhance communication with their patients ( 69 ). These preliminary results support the clinical utility, from the perspectives of the treating hematologist, of integrating ePROs into routine cancer care of patients with hematologic malignancies, and could be implemented in the EPC interventions.…”

Reducing the pressures of outpatient care: the potential role of patient-reported outcomes

“…The use of ePROs led to a significant difference of 13% in incidence of serious immune-related adverse events (irAEs), 7.4% lower rates of treatment discontinuation and better quality of life in patients on cancer immunotherapy. 25 Clinicians reported that ePRO data facilitated their understanding of patients’ general health status and symptoms, 12 identification of low-grade and high-grade symptomatic adverse events, 12 accurate documentation of patients’ symptoms 9 , 12 , 24 and improved patient adherence to treatment. 10 , 16 , 29 …”

“…Various studies described clinician responses to ePRO data, which suggest timely/earlier intervention when symptoms of clinical concern are present. 30 , 31 These included: telephoning patients upon receiving ePRO alerts of clinically important symptoms 12 ; referrals to other healthcare professionals 19 ; mental health services 24 ; further assessments; requests for blood tests; recommendations to wait and monitor symptoms; and patient education. 19 Clinicians also stated that ePRO data were useful in the clinical management of patients and shared decision-making.…”

“… 19 Clinicians also stated that ePRO data were useful in the clinical management of patients and shared decision-making. 12 …”

“…Several studies reported that the use of ePRO data facilitated patient–clinician interactions. 9 , 12 , 14 , 16 Specifically, ePRO data were used to initiate discussions including those around complex health and behavioural issues such as suicidal ideation and anxiety in people with HIV, 24 and clarify symptoms through focused assessments during clinical appointments. 19 Clinicians may review the ePRO data before starting their general assessment or integrate elements of the ePROs into their regular practice.…”