Real-time detection of patient-reported outcomes (PRO) through an app: A Brazilian experience

• Published in: Journal of clinical oncology Vol. 37; no. 15_suppl; p. e23059
• Main Authors: Morelle, Alessandra Menezes, Lima, Geraldine Eltz de, D'Agustini, Nathalia, Venero, Fernando Castilho, Barrios, Carlos H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 20.05.2019
• DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2019.37.15_suppl.e23059
• ISSN: 0732-183X

Abstract only e23059 Background: patient-reported outcomes (PRO) data are critical for informing patient-centered care and have been shown to enhance our ability to communicate with patients and to control their symptoms. Evidence suggests that patient active participation in symptom reporting and prompt attention to management may have a positive and measurable impact in survival. However, PRO data are not commonly collected in routine cancer care due to challenges – cost, technological rigidity of existing electronic health records and misalignment of stakeholders’ incentives. Methods: in an effort to bridge the unmet needs of PRO collection and integration into routine cancer care, we developed a symptom monitoring and management system that was launched as a free mobile app in August, 2018. Tummi app is designed for reporting 28 symptoms based on the National Cancer Institute’s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Symptoms are reported in a 3-point scale (mild, moderate, severe) and patient reported an overall well-being scale represented by emojis. Tummi has the ability to record symptoms, summarize the reporting in physical printout, and automatically store and analyze the input symptoms into graphical interpretations. Results: since august 2018, 1292 patients downloaded and enjoyed the app. Of these, 240 recorded spontaneously their diagnosis. The most common side effect registered was fatigue followed by back pain. Regarding general well-being reports, male patients (25.68%) and female patients (74.32%) totaled 3771 records. Of these, on 50.22% of the time the patients were well, while in 40.17% they were average and in 9.59% they felt bad when made the report. Conclusions: there is an opportunity to better deliver our care for cancer patients, empowering them through collecting their own data. Tummi proved to be doable and understandable for patients’ language in Brazil.