gms | German Medical Science

Background and current research: The digitalization of subjective assessments in form of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) has an increasing impact in oncologic treatment and clinical research.

Scientific question, objectives, hypothesis: The project deals with the electronic acquisition of data through mobile devices and integration of PROs into existing clinical systems under consideration of the patients’ profiles and their technical understanding. The certification relevant palliative care screening is chosen for an exemplary implementation. In an evaluation of the process, experiences were gathered, which can provide guidance for implementing further necessary screenings and surveys in the context of oncologic therapy and follow up care as well as other similar digitalization projects.

Method: The development and implementation of a technical process for the integration of the palliative care screenings into existing information and documentation systems took place via a specifically adapted and further developed add-in module of the tumor documentation software. The evaluation of the technical and clinical processes in the pilot phase was measured through a self-generated questionnaire under consideration of the patient characteristics. Additionally, a clinical workflow template was developed in a selected department.

Results: The process was successfully introduced from the request at the clinical workplace, the availability of the questionnaire for the patient by scanning the QR Code on a mobile device, the transfer of the survey data into the tumor documentation software until the subsequent transmission back into the clinical information system. Through the evaluation, certain technical challenges were detected, for example the dependency on adequate internet availability. Further, it can take a few minutes until all data is transferred to all corresponding servers and applications and the survey is provided for the patient. In the clinical workflow a necessity for an additional transmission of a resulting score to decide about further clinical interventions showed. A demand for support with the process of retrieving and answering the survey for certain patient groups was recognized.

Discussion: Potential improvements of the technical implementation and the total process were identified from patients’ and clinicians’ perspective. The improvements are valued and adaptions are planned. One benefit of various possibilities to conduct the patient questionnaires is that individual required support can be detected and provided. Based on the positive feedback in general regarding the performance of the process, this workflow is available for prospective patient survey in the context of oncologic therapy and follow up care at different points of time. Further, it can provide guidance for similar future projects. As shown already during the implementation and evaluation, a special focus should be on the fields of IT-security, data protection and usability for employees and patients.

Implication for research: Through digitally submitted surveys, the data is directly available in structed format. The data can be used for research in patient treatment and science in the context of the clinical parameters.

Funding: Other funding; BZKF (Bayerisches Zentrum für Krebsforschung), Regensburg, Germany