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Smith A'B, Bamgboje-Ayodele A, Jegathees S, Butow P, Klein B, Salter M, Turner J, Fardell J, Thewes B, Sharpe L, Beatty L, Pearce A, Beith J, Costa D, Rincones O, Wu VS, Garden FL, Kiely BE, Lim K, Morstyn L, Hanley B, Hodgkin R, Beattie A, Girgis A. Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of iConquerFear: a self-guided digital intervention for fear of cancer recurrence. J Cancer Surviv 2024; 18:425-438. [PMID: 35876964 PMCID: PMC9309991 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01233-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Approximately 50% of cancer survivors experience moderate-severe fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). Self-guided digital interventions have potential to address the high level of FCR-related unmet needs at scale, but existing digital interventions have demonstrated variable engagement and efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of iConquerFear, a five-module self-guided digital FCR intervention. METHODS Eligible curatively treated breast cancer survivors were recruited. Participants reporting clinically significant FCR (≥ 13 on the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form; FCRI-SF) were given access to iConquerFear. Feasibility was indicated by > 50% of eligible participants enrolling in iConquerFear and recording moderate (≥ 120 min) or greater usage. Preliminary efficacy was evaluated via changes in self-reported FCR severity, anxiety, depression, intrusions and metacognitions from baseline to immediately and 3 months post-intervention. RESULTS Fifty-four (83%) of 65 eligible participants enrolled in iConquerFear; six subsequently withdrew. Thirty-nine (83%) participants recorded moderate (n = 24; 120-599 min) or high (n = 15; ≥ 600 min) usage. Engagement levels increased with participant age (p = 0.043), but were lower in participants with higher baseline FCR (p = 0.028). Qualitative feedback indicated engagement was sometimes limited by difficulties with navigation and relating to featured survivors. Participants reported significantly improved FCR (mean reduction (95%CI): baseline to post-intervention - 3.44 (- 5.18, - 1.71), baseline to 3-month follow-up - 4.52 (- 6.25, - 2.78), p = < 0.001). CONCLUSION iConquerFear is a feasible and potentially efficacious intervention for reducing FCR in breast cancer survivors. Easier navigation and more relatable examples may enhance engagement. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS iConquerFear may help address moderate but burdensome FCR levels in cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan 'Ben' Smith
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Liverpool, Australia.
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool Hospital, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool, BC NSW, 1871, Australia.
| | - Adeola Bamgboje-Ayodele
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Liverpool, Australia
- Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sharuja Jegathees
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Liverpool, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool Hospital, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool, BC NSW, 1871, Australia
| | - Phyllis Butow
- Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Britt Klein
- Health Innovation & Transformation Centre (HITC) & Biopsychosocial and eHealth Research & Innovation (BeRI), DVC-R&I Portfolio, Federation University Australia, Churchill, Australia
| | - Marj Salter
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool Hospital, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool, BC NSW, 1871, Australia
| | - Jane Turner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Joanna Fardell
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Paediatrics, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Western Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Belinda Thewes
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louise Sharpe
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Beatty
- College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Alison Pearce
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jane Beith
- Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel Costa
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Orlando Rincones
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool Hospital, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool, BC NSW, 1871, Australia
| | - Verena S Wu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Liverpool, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool Hospital, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool, BC NSW, 1871, Australia
| | - Frances L Garden
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool Hospital, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool, BC NSW, 1871, Australia
| | - Belinda E Kiely
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Campbelltown Hospital, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Karen Lim
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Morstyn
- Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), Camberwell, Australia
| | - Brigid Hanley
- Cancer Council Queensland, Fortitude Valley, Australia
| | | | | | - Afaf Girgis
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Liverpool, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool Hospital, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool, BC NSW, 1871, Australia
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温 方, 杜 光, 田 丰, 赵 小. [Application and Effect of Patient Portal System in the Remote Management of Chronic Diseases for Older Adults With Coronary Heart Disease]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2024; 55:418-424. [PMID: 38645871 PMCID: PMC11026880 DOI: 10.12182/20240360503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the application of personal health record (PHR) and chronic disease management platform established on the basis of patient portal system (PPS) in managing older adults with coronary heart disease and to examine the effect on patients' self-care ability, coping mode, and quality of life. Methods A total of 532 elderly patients with coronary heart disease were included in the study. All the participants enrolled were admitted to a tertiary-care hospital between January 2019 and June 2021. They were randomly assigned to the study group (269 cases) and the control group (263 cases). Patients in the control group were discharged with the routine discharge procedures and received the routine follow-up care. On the other hand, patients in the study group were discharged and followed up through the PHR and chronic disease management platform established on the basis of PPS. After 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months of patient management, the Exercise of Self-Care Agency (ESCA) Scale, Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ) and Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) were used to evaluate the patients' self-care ability, coping mode, and quality of life, respectively. The patient management effects of the two groups were analyzed. Results Before the management programs started, there was no statistically significant difference in the scores for the scales between the two groups of patients. After 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months of patient management, the ESCA scores of both groups were higher than those before patient management started (P<0.05). Facing scores in the MCMQ of both groups were higher than those before patient management started (P<0.05), while the scores for avoidance and yielding were lower than those before patient management started (P<0.05). The SAQ scores of both groups were higher than those before patient management started (P<0.05). After 6 months, 12 months and 18 months of patient management, the ESCA scores of the study group were always higher compared with those of the control group (P<0.05). The facing score of the study group was higher, while the scores for avoidance and yielding were lower compared with those of the control group (P<0.05). The SAQ scores of the study group were higher compared with those of the control group (P<0.05). The medication compliance rate in the study group (83.27%) was higher than that in the control group (69.96%) (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in the study group (4.09%) was lower than that in the control group (10.27%) (P<0.05). The average times of emergency treatment and readmission in the study group were lower compared with those of the control group (P<0.05). The patient satisfaction score of the study group was higher compared with that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The PHR and chronic disease management platform established on the basis of PPS can increase the convenient access to medical care among elderly patients with coronary heart disease, which is conducive to improving their self-care ability, coping mode, and quality of life. In addition, the patient management effect is good.
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Affiliation(s)
- 方圆 温
- 四川省医学科学院·四川省人民医院 门诊部 (成都 610072)Outpatient Department, Sichuan Academic of Medical Science & Sichuan Province People's Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - 光会 杜
- 四川省医学科学院·四川省人民医院 门诊部 (成都 610072)Outpatient Department, Sichuan Academic of Medical Science & Sichuan Province People's Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - 丰 田
- 四川省医学科学院·四川省人民医院 门诊部 (成都 610072)Outpatient Department, Sichuan Academic of Medical Science & Sichuan Province People's Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - 小娟 赵
- 四川省医学科学院·四川省人民医院 门诊部 (成都 610072)Outpatient Department, Sichuan Academic of Medical Science & Sichuan Province People's Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China
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Riedl D, Lehmann J, Rothmund M, Dejaco D, Grote V, Fischer MJ, Rumpold G, Holzner B, Licht T. Usability of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Older Patients With Cancer: Secondary Analysis of Data from an Observational Single Center Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e49476. [PMID: 37733409 PMCID: PMC10557001 DOI: 10.2196/49476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-reported outcomes are considered the gold standard for assessing subjective health status in oncology patients. Electronic assessment of patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) has become increasingly popular in recent years in both clinical trials and practice. However, there is limited evidence on how well older patients with cancer can complete ePRO assessments. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate how well adult patients with cancer of different age ranges could complete ePRO assessments at home and in a treatment facility and to identify factors associated with the ability to complete questionnaires electronically. METHODS This retrospective longitudinal single-center study involved survivors of cancer who participated in inpatient rehabilitation. Patients completed ePRO assessments before rehabilitation at home (T1) and after rehabilitation at the facility (T2). We analyzed the rate of patients who could complete the ePRO assessment at T1 and T2, the proportion of patients who required assistance, and the time it took patients to complete standardized questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of ePRO completion rate and the need for assistance. RESULTS Between 2017 and 2022, a total of 5571 patients were included in this study. Patients had a mean age of 60.3 (SD 12.2) years (range 18 to 93 years), and 1135 (20.3%) of them were classified as geriatric patients (>70 years). While more than 90% (5060/5571) of all patients completed the ePRO assessment, fewer patients in the age group of >70 years (924/1135, 81.4% at T1 vs 963/1135, 84.8% at T2) completed the assessment. Approximately 19% (1056/5571) of patients reported a need for assistance with the ePRO assessment at home, compared to 6.8% (304/4483) at the institution. Patients older than 70 years had a significantly higher need for assistance than those in younger age groups. Moreover, a gender difference was observed, with older women reporting a higher need for assistance than men (71-80 years: women requiring assistance 215/482, 44.6% vs men 96/350, 27.4%; P<.001 and >80 years: women 102/141, 72.3% vs men 57/112, 50.9%; P<.001). On average, patients needed 4.9 (SD 3.20) minutes to remotely complete a 30-item questionnaire (European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire) and patients in the older age groups took significantly longer compared to younger age groups. Lower age and higher physical functioning were the clearest predictors for both the ePRO completion rate and the need for assistance in the multivariate regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS This study's results indicate that ePRO assessment is feasible in older individuals with cancer, but older patients may require assistance (eg, from relatives) to complete home-based assessments. It may be more feasible to conduct assessments in-house in this population. Additionally, it is crucial to carefully consider which resources are necessary and available to support patients in using ePRO devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Riedl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Vienna, Austria
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jens Lehmann
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Maria Rothmund
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Daniel Dejaco
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Vincent Grote
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael J Fischer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Vienna, Austria
- Vamed Rehabilitation Center Kitzbühel, Kitzbühel, Austria
| | - Gerhard Rumpold
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Evaluation Software Development (ESD), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bernhard Holzner
- Evaluation Software Development (ESD), Innsbruck, Austria
- University Hospital of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Licht
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Vienna, Austria
- Oncological Rehabilitation Center, Sankt Veit im Pongau, Austria
- Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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Lehmann J, de Ligt KM, Tipelius S, Giesinger JM, Sztankay M, Voigt S, van de Poll-Franse LV, Rumpold G, Weger R, Willenbacher E, Willenbacher W, Holzner B. Adherence to Patient-Reported Symptom Monitoring and Subsequent Clinical Interventions for Patients With Multiple Myeloma in Outpatient Care: Longitudinal Observational Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46017. [PMID: 37606979 PMCID: PMC10481208 DOI: 10.2196/46017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of software to monitor patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can improve outcomes for patients with cancer receiving anticancer therapy; however, evidence from applications used in routine clinical practice is lacking. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate adherence to and patient perceptions of a weekly, web-based PROM symptom monitoring program in routine clinical practice for patients with Multiple Myeloma. Moreover, we aimed to capture how clinical alerts prompted by the system influenced clinical care. METHODS We conducted a single-center longitudinal observational study to evaluate patient adherence to and perceptions of the PROM monitoring software in routine practice. Patients with Multiple Myeloma remotely completed weekly treatment-specific PROMs to monitor key symptoms via a dedicated web-based platform. Alarming symptoms triggered clinical alerts in the application for the treatment team, which could initiate clinical interventions. The primary outcomes were the web-based assessment completion rate and patients' perceptions of the monitoring program, as assessed by an evaluation questionnaire. Moreover, clinical alerts prompted by the system and consequential clinical interventions were analyzed. RESULTS Between July 2021 and June 2022, a total of 55 patients were approached for participation; 39 patients participated (24, 61% male, mean age 63.2, SD 9.2 years). The median assessment completion rate out of all weekly scheduled assessments was 70.3% (IQR 41.2%-89.6%). Most patients (77%) felt that the health care team was better informed about their health status due to the web-based assessments. Clinical alerts were triggered for 1758 of 14,639 (12%) reported symptoms. For 548 of 1758 (31.2%) alerts, the symptom had been registered before and no further action was required; for 348 of 1758 (19.9%) alerts, telephone consultation and self-management advice sufficed. Higher-level interventions were seldom needed in response to alerts: referral to a doctor or specialist (88/1758, 5% alerts), medication changes (22/1758, 1.3%), scheduling additional diagnostics (9/1758, 0.5%), or unplanned emergency visits (7/1758, 0.4%). Most patients (55%) reported the calls in response to alerts gave them "quite a bit" or "very much" of an added feeling of security during therapy. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that high adherence to regular and tailored PROM monitoring can be achieved in routine clinical care. The findings provide valuable insight into how the PROM monitoring program and the clinical alerts and resulting interventions shaped clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05036863; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05036863.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Lehmann
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Syndena GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kelly M de Ligt
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Johannes M Giesinger
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Monika Sztankay
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sandra Voigt
- Syndena GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria
- Internal Medicine V: Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lonneke V van de Poll-Franse
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic Disorders (CoRPS), Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Gerhard Rumpold
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Evaluation Software Development GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Ella Willenbacher
- Internal Medicine V: Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Willenbacher
- Syndena GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria
- Internal Medicine V: Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bernhard Holzner
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Evaluation Software Development GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria
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McCaughan D, Roman E, Sheridan R, Hewison A, Smith AG, Patmore R, Howell DA. Patient perspectives of 'Watch and Wait' for chronic haematological cancers: Findings from a qualitative study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2023; 65:102349. [PMID: 37331194 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic blood cancers are incurable, and characterised by unpredictable, remitting-relapsing pathways. Management often involves periods of observation prior to treatment (if required), and post-treatment, in an approach known as 'Watch and Wait'. This study aimed to explore patient experiences of 'Watch and Wait'. METHODS In-depth interviews with 35 patients (10 accompanied by relatives) with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma or myeloma. Data were analysed using descriptive qualitative techniques. RESULTS Patient views of Watch and Wait ranged along a continuum, from immediate acceptance, to concern about treatment deferral. Significant ongoing anxiety and distress were described by some, due to the uncertain pathways associated with Watch and Wait. Infrequent contact with clinical staff was said to exacerbate this, as there was limited opportunity to ask questions and seek reassurance. Patients indicated that the impact of their malignancy could be underestimated by clinicians; possibly due to them comparing chronic and acute subtypes. Most patients lacked knowledge of blood cancers. Support from clinicians was considered greater among treated patients, possibly due to increased contact, and many drew on relatives for aid. Most patients were satisfied with their time-allocation with haematology staff, although experiences could be improved by greater access to clinical nurse specialists, counselling services, and community-based facilities. CONCLUSION Experiences varied. Anxiety about unpredictable futures could be more distressing than any physical symptoms and have a greater impact on quality of life. Ongoing assessment could facilitate identification of difficulties, and is particularly important among individuals without supportive networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy McCaughan
- Epidemiology & Cancer Statistics Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Eve Roman
- Epidemiology & Cancer Statistics Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Rebecca Sheridan
- Epidemiology & Cancer Statistics Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Ann Hewison
- Epidemiology & Cancer Statistics Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Alexandra G Smith
- Epidemiology & Cancer Statistics Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Russell Patmore
- Queens Centre for Oncology and Haematology, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, UK.
| | - Debra A Howell
- Epidemiology & Cancer Statistics Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
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Lehmann J, Schreyer I, Riedl D, Tschuggnall M, Giesinger JM, Ninkovic M, Huth M, Kronberger I, Rumpold G, Holzner B. Usability evaluation of the Computer-Based Health Evaluation System (CHES) eDiary for patients with faecal incontinence: a pilot study. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2022; 22:81. [PMID: 35346170 PMCID: PMC8962247 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-022-01818-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Faecal incontinence (FI) is prevalent in 15–20% of elderly individuals and is frequently monitored in clinical trials and practice. Bowel diaries are the most common way to document FI, but, in clinical practice, are mainly used as paper-based versions. Electronic diaries (eDiaries) offer many potential benefits over paper-based diaries. The aim of this study was to develop and test an eDiary to document FI. Methods We migrated a paper FI diary to an eDiary app based on the Computer-based Health Evaluation System (CHES). To assess usability, we conducted functionality and usability tests at two time points in a sample of patients with FI. In the first assessment, the eDiary functionalities were tested, patients completed the System Usability Scale (SUS, range 0–100) and compared the paper diary with the eDiary. We set a threshold for minimum acceptable average usability at 70 points. Patients were then instructed to use the eDiary for 2 days at home and contacted to report on their usage and completed the SUS a second time.
Results We recruited a sample of N = 14 patients to use the eDiary. All patients were able to use all functionalities of the eDiary and only a few patients with lower technological literacy or access to devices (n = 3) needed initial assistance. The mean usability rating given at the first time point was high with 88 points (SD 18, 95% CI 78.2–96.8) and most patients (n = 10) reported they would prefer the eDiary over the paper-based version. Nine patients (n = 9) participated in the follow-up assessment and the mean SUS rating at the second time point was 97 points (SD 7, 95% CI 92.8–100). Conclusion The eDiary showed excellent usability scores for the assessment of FI at both assessments. Generally, patients preferred the eDiary over the paper-based version. We recommend the eDiary for usage with patients who own and use a smartphone and discuss potential solutions for patients with lower technological literacy or access. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12911-022-01818-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Lehmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Isabel Schreyer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - David Riedl
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Johannes M Giesinger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marjiana Ninkovic
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marcus Huth
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Irmgard Kronberger
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gerhard Rumpold
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.,Evaluation Software Development, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bernhard Holzner
- Evaluation Software Development, Innsbruck, Austria.,University Hospital of Psychiatry I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Meryk A, Kropshofer G, Hetzer B, Riedl D, Lehmann J, Rumpold G, Haid A, Holzner B, Crazzolara R. Implementation of daily patient-reported outcome measurements to support children with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29279. [PMID: 34383360 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several stakeholders, including patients and health care providers, suggest symptom self-reporting measurements for a more patient-directed cancer control approach. However, services tailored to measure daily reporting and implementing it in clinical care are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and value of daily patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) by children receiving chemotherapy for cancer. METHODS Health status was recorded daily with a web-based child-friendly patient portal (ePROtect). Following aspects of feasibility and usability were assessed: (a) the completion rate and time, (b) user feedback on usability and satisfaction, and (c) the performed interventions if moderate to severe symptom deterioration was noted. RESULTS Twelve children (median age: 7.2 years) were included. A total number of 891 daily reports were collected during the study period; the median percentage of ePROtect completion days was 85.3% (interquartile range [IQR] 64.2-100.0) and 55.9% (IQR 51.9-76.9) for inpatient and outpatient stay, respectively. Mean time to complete the questionnaire was 47.6 seconds. Severe symptoms were reported in 14.7% of measurement time points, which led to prompt health care interventions in 57 cases, including extension of supportive care (n = 37) and pre-emptive inpatient admissions (n = 5). Over 80% of the patients (10/12) and their proxies (16/18) provided feedback with high rating for satisfaction (>90%) and usefulness (>80%) of ePROtect. CONCLUSION Our study shows that daily symptom monitoring is feasible for all children with newly diagnosed cancer aged 5-18 years. Monitoring offers the opportunity to identify symptoms early and trigger appropriate clinical action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Meryk
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gabriele Kropshofer
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Benjamin Hetzer
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - David Riedl
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Clinic for Medical Psychology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jens Lehmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gerhard Rumpold
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Clinic for Medical Psychology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alexandra Haid
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bernhard Holzner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Clinic for Medical Psychology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Roman Crazzolara
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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