Evaluation of electronic patient reported outcome assessment in inpatient cancer care: a feasibility study

Purpose: Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures are increasingly important in evaluating medical care. The increased integration of technology within the healthcare systems allows for collection of PROs electronically. The objectives of this study were to (1) implement an electronic assessment of PROs in inpatient cancer care and test its feasibility for patients, as well as (2) determine the equivalence of the paper and electronic assessment. Methods The study is an interventional, three-arm and multicenter inpatient trial. A self-administered questionnaire based on validated PRO-measures was applied and completed at admission, one week after, and at discharge. For this analysis - focusing on feasibility of the electronic assessment - two groups will be considered: Group A (intervention arm) received a tablet version while group B (control arm) completed the questionnaire on paper. A feasibility questionnaire, that was adapted from Ashley et al. (1), was administered to group A. Results N = 125 patients were recruited in oncology wards. ePRO was feasible to most patients, with 84% preferring the electronic over paper-based assessment. The feasibility questionnaire contained questions that were answered on a scale ranging from ‘1’ (illustrating non achievement) to ‘5’ (illustrating achieving goal). The majority (mean 4.24, SD .99) reported no difficulties handling the electronic tool and found it relatively easy finding time for filling out the questionnaire (mean 4.15, SD 1.05). There were no significant differences between the paper and the electronic assessment regarding the PROs. Conclusion Results indicate that electronic PRO assessment in inpatient cancer care is feasible.