Utilizing Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in ambulatory oncology in Alberta: Digital reporting at the micro, meso and macro level.

Cancer patients experience numerous distressing symptoms and concerns across the course of their illness, which negatively influence their quality of life. Regardless of cancer type, unmanaged symptoms can lead to adverse downstream consequences. Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) can be used to inform patient care and lead to targeted symptom management but simply gathering this information does not improve outcomes for the patient.

Virtual Cancer Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Alberta: Evidence From a Mixed Methods Evaluation and Key Learnings.

Purpose: This study reports on a mixed methods evaluation conducted within a provincial cancer program in Alberta, Canada. The purpose was to capture key learnings from a rapid virtual care implementation because of the COVID-19 pandemic and to understand the impact on patient and staff experiences.

Methods: Administrative data were collected for 21,362 patients who had at least one virtual or in-person visit to any provincial cancer center from April 1, 2020, to June 10, 2020.

A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Ambulatory Oncology Experience by Treatment Intent.

The Ambulatory Oncology Patient Satisfaction Survey (AOPSS) is a standardized instrument to assess the overall cancer patient experience. This study retrospectively investigated differences in care experiences and satisfaction among ambulatory oncology patients who self-identified as receiving outpatient therapies for curative intent or for symptom or disease control. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the AOPSS collected between February and April 2019 within the provincial cancer program in Alberta, Canada.

Validating a Patient-Reported Outcomes-Derived Algorithm for Classifying Symptom Complexity Levels Among Patients With Cancer.

Background: The patient-reported outcomes (PROs) symptom complexity algorithm, derived from self-reported symptom scores using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System and concerns indicated on the Canadian Problem Checklist, has not been validated extensively.

Methods: This is a retrospective chart review study using data from the Alberta Cancer Registry and electronic medical records from Alberta Health Services. The sample includes patients with cancer who visited a cancer facility in Alberta, Canada, from February 2016 through November 2017 (n=1,466).