Challenges in virtual collection of patient-reported data: a prospective cohort study conducted in COVID-19 era.

ABSTRACT: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, patients attending ambulatory clinics at cancer centers in Ontario completed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) at each visit. At our center, completion was via touchpad, with assistance from clinic volunteers. As of March 2020, clinic appointments were conducted virtually when possible and touch pads removed. We anticipated a negative impact on the collection of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and the recognition of severe symptoms.

Methods

We performed a prospective cross-sectional cohort study to investigate remote ESAS completion by patients with appointments at a weekly surgical oncology clinic. Patients in the initial study cohort were asked to complete and return the ESAS virtually (V). Given low completion rates, the ensuing cohort

SUBMITTER: Kazazian K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9171486 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature