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Electronic symptom monitoring in pediatric patients hospitalized for chemotherapy
Author(s) -
Leahy Allison Barz,
Schwartz Lisa A.,
Li Yimei,
Reeve Bryce B.,
Bekelman Justin E.,
Aplenc Richard,
Basch Ethan M.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/cncr.33617
Subject(s) - medicine , common terminology criteria for adverse events , pediatric cancer , pediatric oncology , adverse effect , medline , cancer , emergency medicine , pediatrics , political science , law
Background Using patient‐reported outcomes for symptom monitoring in oncology has resulted in significant benefits for adult patients with cancer. The feasibility of this approach has not been established in the routine care of children with cancer. Methods The Pediatric Patient‐Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (Ped‐PRO‐CTCAE) is an item library that enables children and caregivers to self‐report symptoms. Ten symptom items from the Ped‐PRO‐CTCAE were uploaded to an online platform. Patients at least 7 years old and their caregivers were prompted by text/email message to electronically self‐report daily during a planned hospitalization for chemotherapy administration. Symptom reports were emailed to the clinical team caring for the patient, but no instructions were given regarding the use of this information. Rates of patient participation and clinician responses to reports were systematically tracked. Results The median age of the participating patients (n = 52) was 11 years (range, 7‐18 years). All patients and caregivers completed an initial login, with 92% of dyads completing at least 1 additional symptom assessment during hospitalization (median, 3 assessments; range, 0‐40). Eighty‐one percent of participating dyads submitted symptom reports on at least half of hospital days, and 54% submitted reports on all hospital days. Clinical actions were taken in response to symptom reports 21% of the time. Most patients felt that the system was easy (73%) and important (79%). Most clinicians found symptom reports easy to understand and useful (97%). Conclusions Symptom monitoring using patient‐reported outcome measures for hospitalized pediatric oncology patients is feasible and generates data valued by clinicians and patients.