Feasibility of implementing a text-based symptom-monitoring program of endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancer patients during treatment

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of implementing systematic patient symptom monitoring during treatment using a smartphone. Methods Endometrial [ n  = 50], ovarian [ n  = 70] and breast [ n  = 193] cancer patients participated in text-based symptom reporting for up to 12 months. In order to promo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Quality of life research 2021-11, Vol.30 (11), p.3241-3254
Main Authors: Naughton, Michelle J., Salani, Ritu, Peng, Juan, Lustberg, Maryam, DeGraffinreid, Cecilia, Moon, Jennifer, Loyan, Hibaq, Beverly Hery, Chloe M., Paskett, Electra D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Breast cancer
Breast Neoplasms - therapy
Cancer
Endometrial cancer
Fatigue
Feasibility Studies
Female
Humans
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Middle Aged
Ovarian cancer
Ovaries
Patients
Public Health
Quality of Life - psychology
Quality of Life Research
Smartphones
Sociology
Special Section: Feedback Tools
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary:Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of implementing systematic patient symptom monitoring during treatment using a smartphone. Methods Endometrial [ n  = 50], ovarian [ n  = 70] and breast [ n  = 193] cancer patients participated in text-based symptom reporting for up to 12 months. In order to promote equity, patients without a smartphone were provided with a device, with the phone charges paid by program funds. Each month, patients completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and 4 single items assessing fatigue, sleep quality, pain, and global quality of life during the past 7 days rated on a 0 (low) –10 (high) scale. Patients’ responses were captured using REDCap, with oncologists receiving monthly feedback. Lay navigators provided assistance to patients with non-medical needs. Results Patients utilizing this voluntary program had an overall mean age of 60.5 (range 26–87), and 85% were non-Hispanic white. iPhones were provided to 42 patients, and navigation services were used by 69 patients. Average adherence with monthly surveys ranged between 75–77%, with breast patients having lower adherence after 5 months. The most commonly reported symptoms across cancer types were moderate levels (scores of 4–7) of fatigue and sleep disturbance. At 6 months, 71–77% of all patients believed the surveys were useful to them and their health care team. Conclusions We established the feasibility of initiating and managing patients in a monthly text-based symptom-monitoring program. The provision of smartphones and patient navigation were unique and vital components of this program.
ISSN:0962-9343
1573-2649
DOI:10.1007/s11136-020-02660-w