Electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) are increasingly seen as a promising tool to improve cancer care quality, especially for patients with metastatic disease. In a new national study conducted across 25 community oncology clinics, researchers explored real-world experiences with ePRO implementation, offering critical insights from both clinical staff and patients who used these systems as part of the PRO-TECT trial (Alliance AFT-39).
The study included 98 healthcare providers and staff members, along with 67 patients, all of whom were actively using ePROs to monitor cancer symptoms during treatment. The feedback revealed four major themes: a clear benefit to cancer care quality and communication; generally positive usability; significant workflow integration challenges; and key recommendations for future rollout.
Clinicians and patients alike reported that ePROs led to more meaningful communication, improved symptom awareness, and a greater sense of control for patients in managing their own care. Patients found the systems user-friendly and useful, while providers saw enhanced relationship-building and better-informed clinical decisions as major benefits.
However, the road to seamless integration is far from smooth. Many staff members reported challenges in merging ePROs with existing workflows and electronic health records. To address this, the study outlined actionable steps: invest in clinician and staff training, ensure ePRO content is clinically relevant, embed alert notifications into existing systems, and adapt workflows to better accommodate these tools.
The bottom line? While ePROs are poised to play a powerful role in future cancer care, successful implementation hinges on thoughtful integration and support at every level of clinical practice. For healthcare professionals seeking to enhance patient engagement and symptom management, the findings offer a practical blueprint grounded in community practice realities.
Reference: Mody GN et al. Implementation of Symptom Monitoring With Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes: Perspectives and Recommendations From Community Oncology Practices (Alliance AFT-39). JCO Oncol Pract. 2025:OP2400627. [Epub ahead of print].
