CureCancer digital tool in the routine clinical oncology practice facilitates PROs, communicating with HCPs, treatment adherence and “distancing interventions” during COVID-19 and reduces costs: A feasibility and satisfaction study

ABSTRACT

Background: CureCancer is a patient-centered/patient-driven digital tool integrated in the routine oncology practice. Patients self-create their medical profile, record their symptoms and communicate them to health care professionals (HCPs). We aimed to assess the tool’s feasibility and patients’ satisfaction. Methods: 14 Centers participated, starting from 02.2020. COVID-19 epidemic period was included. Patients signed consent to upload their data, report their symptoms and complete 2 questionnaires. Results following the completion of the 1st questionnaire are reported. Results: 78 patients were enrolled and 68 (87%) uploaded their data to date;60 of 68 (88%), 30 males and 30 females, median age 53 years, completed the 1st questionnaire. Thirty-seven (61.6%) were University graduates. Cancer types included breast cancer (21.6%), Head/Neck cancer, pancreatic cancer and other cancers. Ten patients reported “other”, 4 reported multiple cancers, 28 had metastatic disease and 45 active treatment. Registration and use of the platform was reported as “very to very much” easy by 52 (86.6%) and 50 (83.3%) patients, respectively. File uploading was “very to very much” easy for 33 (55%) patients;49 (81.6%) preferred the digital way and 50 (83.3%) will introduce it to others. Patients highlighted that CureCancer improved communication with HCPs, increased their sense of safety, facilitated treatment adherence and interventions at distance, particularly when outside the Cancer Center and during the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced the number of visits, time and out-of-pocket expenses. Benefits liked best were easy data access, improved communication and sense of safety. Conclusions: CureCancer use was feasible, increased communication with HCPs, patients’ sense of safety, treatment adherence and medical interventions at distancing, reduced visits and saved time and money. Continuing integration of CureCancer to embed PROs in routine cancer care is expected to improve treatment outcomes within or outside the Cancer Center and in pandemics and to reduce costs. Legal entity responsible for the study Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.