This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a web-based patient reported outcome (PRO) program for persons with advanced ovarian cancer using electronic self-assessment and care (eSAC). Patients were asked to fill out symptom/quality of life questions via email reminders before each clinic appointment, and they were all recruited from the same ambulatory care facility. In addition, the Acceptability E-Scale Score (AES) was used to evaluate the level of satisfaction felt by study participants.
A group of patients was interviewed to gauge usability. Acceptability and usability were evaluated through surveys and semi-structured interviews with participating clinicians. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the quantitative data. Thematic content analysis was used to decipher the meaning of the qualitative data. The data was analyzed using a variety of approaches. Only 143 (87.7%) of 163 patients who were eligible gave their written consent. With a mean AES score of 26.19±3.36, patients (n = 71) who generated an eSAC report in advance of at least 3 clinic appointments found eSAC to be acceptable (out of 30). Participating patients (n = 33) reported that eSAC was simple to understand and helpful during their clinic visit.
Clinician surveys (n = 8) and focus groups (n = 3) indicated that eSAC was well-received and beneficial to its users. Improvements in efficiency in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer were recommended by patients and physicians through qualitative research. Comparing quantitative and qualitative results using a mixed-methods approach revealed no significant disparities, with the qualitative information enhancing comprehension of numerical evaluations. In this situation, eSAC served its purpose and was well-received. The use of this PRO shows promise as a means of improving the quality of care for patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
Source: sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S009082582201825X
