Bridging the digital divide for outpatients treated with anticancer chemotherapy: a retrospective quantitative and qualitative analysis of an adapted electronic Patient Reported Outcome program.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Using electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) in clinical trial has shown benefits for patients. However, the digital divide can lead to unequal access to telehealth. We investigated whether a dedicated support program could bridge that divide.

Methods

Between February 2021 and June 2022, outpatients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer at our teaching hospital in France were given the Onco'nect® ePRO application if they were affected by the digital divide. They were also offered a dedicated support program that included the lending of a tablet, access to healthcare professionals, training, technical support, and peer-to-peer guidance. We conducted semi-structured interviews to assess the challenges they faced.

Results

We enrolled 22 patients, of whom 10 (45

SUBMITTER: Boiteau C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11782441 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature