Optimizing electronic capture of patient-reported outcome measures in oncology clinical trials: lessons learned from a qualitative study.

 To understand the impact of anticancer treatment on oncology patients' ability to use electronic solutions for completing patient-reported outcomes (ePRO). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven individuals who had experienced a cancer diagnosis and treatment.  Participants reported that the following would impact the ability to interact with an ePRO solution: peripheral neuropathy of the hands (4/7), fatigue and/or concentration and memory issues (6/7), where they are in a treatment cycle (5/7). Approaches to improve usability included: larger, well-spaced buttons to deal with finger numbness, the ability to pause a survey and complete at a later point and presenting the recall period with every question to reduce reliance on memory. Symptoms associated with cancers and anticancer treatments can impact the use of technologies. The recommendations for optimizing the electronic implementation of patient-reported outcome instruments in this population provides the potential to improve data quality in oncology trials and places patient needs at the forefront to ensure 'fit-for-purpose' solutions.