According to recent research published by JAMA Network Open , lung cancer patients who participated in the trial saw significant improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in symptom monitoring through Active Patient Reporting Systems (PROs) and in controlled studies in patients who received standard of care and were actively questioned by medical personnel. However, there was no significant difference between patient-reported and physician-active interventions, and no statistically significant difference was shown in overall survival. This study can extend the results to provide patients with effective patient support management for long-term symptoms without increasing the workload of healthcare professionals.
In the field of cancer treatment, patient self-reports (PROs) are increasingly becoming an important tool to improve patient health outcomes, and these online patient digital reporting tools are increasingly being used in clinical practice to improve patients’ quality of life and treatment adherence. The SYMPRO-Lung trial, recently announced, is a multi-center randomized controlled trial involving 515 patients with stage I to IV lung cancer. The study found that symptom monitoring through online PROs significantly improved patients’ HRQOL, suggesting that active patient participation in the treatment process can lead to positive treatment outcomes. However, there was no significant difference in the effect between patient-reported and physician-active care interventions, and no significant improvement in survival was observed.
The online self-reporting system, which is now also a commonly used digital tool in PSPs (Patient Support Programs), assists healthcare professionals in conducting surveys to improve patient adherence and assist in providing a picture of the patient’s condition to the medical team. PatientsForce’s current digital management platform for patient support programmes is also equipped with a regular self-reporting module for patients, combined with a personalized messaging mechanism to generate regular engagement with patients. For pharmaceutical companies, promoting the widespread adoption of PROs and PSPs will not only help improve patient outcomes, but also reduce the pressure on the healthcare system to support clinical decision-making.
Patient self-reporting and patient support programs are integral components of modern cancer treatment. Healthcare organizations and drug providers play a key role in driving the adoption of these tools, which not only improves the quality of life for patients, but also improves overwork in healthcare facilities.
─ Sean Zhang, General Manager of PatientsForce Harvest Health Integration Group
