Vorbach Samuel M, Sparano Francesco, Kreissl Stefanie, Riedl David, Sarcletti Manuel P, Ginestet Angela, Holzner Bernhard, Ganswindt Ute, Lehmann Jens
Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 52, AT-6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
Data Center and Health Outcomes Research Unit, Italian Group for Adult Haematologic Diseases (GIMEMA), Rome, Italy.
Qual Life Res. 2025 Apr 22. doi: 10.1007/s11136-025-03977-0.
This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical utility of an electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) system for patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer in routine clinical practice.
A prospective observational study was conducted at the Medical University of Innsbruck among patients receiving RT for primary or recurrent prostate cancer. The ePRO system was designed to capture patient-reported symptoms and health-related quality of life throughout treatment and follow-up, aiming to standardize symptom monitoring and improve continuity of care. Patients completed questionnaires at baseline, during treatment, and in follow-up with feasibility defined as ≥ 75% of patients completing at least 75% of scheduled assessments. Patients' acceptability was evaluated at baseline and at treatment end using self-developed questionnaires. Healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perception of clinical utility of the system was measured with a self-developed questionnaire.
Forty patients participated in the study with a median age of 71 years. The ePRO system was feasible, with an average completion rate of 87%, exceeding the feasibility threshold. Patient acceptability was high, with 98% (39/40) expressing willingness to use it regularly. HCPs' feedback was also positive, with all HCPs (100%, 8/8) reporting usefulness of the system in clinical care and 83% reporting that the system helped them in the clinical assessment of their patients.
The ePRO monitoring system was feasible and well-accepted among both patients and HCPs, demonstrating potential for continued use in routine clinical care. Further efforts are needed to optimize clinical integration and address barriers to ensure equitable access.
本研究评估了在常规临床实践中，电子患者报告结局（ePRO）系统用于接受前列腺癌放射治疗（RT）患者的可行性、可接受性及临床实用性。
在因斯布鲁克医科大学对接受原发性或复发性前列腺癌放射治疗的患者进行了一项前瞻性观察研究。ePRO系统旨在在整个治疗和随访过程中收集患者报告的症状及与健康相关的生活质量，旨在规范症状监测并改善护理的连续性。患者在基线、治疗期间及随访时完成问卷，可行性定义为≥75%的患者完成至少75%的预定评估。使用自行编制的问卷在基线和治疗结束时评估患者的可接受性。通过自行编制的问卷测量医疗保健专业人员（HCPs）对该系统临床实用性的看法。
40名患者参与了研究，中位年龄为71岁。ePRO系统是可行的，平均完成率为87%，超过了可行性阈值。患者的可接受性较高，98%（39/40）表示愿意经常使用。HCPs的反馈也很积极，所有HCPs（100%，8/8）报告该系统在临床护理中有用，83%报告该系统在对患者的临床评估中对他们有帮助。
ePRO监测系统在患者和HCPs中都是可行的且被广泛接受，显示出在常规临床护理中持续使用的潜力。需要进一步努力优化临床整合并消除障碍，以确保公平使用。
