Data from a retrospective analysis presented at the 2021 ASCO Care Quality Symposium suggests that patient-level and clinical factors both predict completion of patient reported outcomes, and patients who responded were more likely to be referred to cancer support services.

Existing data shows that integrated symptom monitoring using patient-reported outcome measures has improved health-related quality of life and outcomes among cancer survivors, but these improvements have primarily been measured among nonHispanic White patients. Authors of the study sought to better understand the associated factors for high response rates, as well identify the differences in referrals to cancer support services between patient-reported outomces responders and nonresponders among a culturally diverse patient cohort.

Patients assigned to the My Wellness Check (MWC) program at a tertiary, comprehensive cancer center between October 2019 and February 2021 were a part of the retrospective analysis.

“MWC is an EHR-based [patient-reported outcome] assessment and referral program that uses PROMIS computer adaptive tests for depression, anxiety, pain, fatigue, and physical function as well as a psychosocial needs assessment,” explained the authors. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. It also collected demographic and clinical characteristics of respondents in order to examine factors associated with completion.

A total of 5306 eligible patients completed the questionnaire. The majority of respondents were female (64.1%), White (86.9%), Hispanic (65.8%), English-speaking (55.4%), and 46% were active responders.

“Patients who were younger than 65 (aOR 1.39; 95%CI 1.22-1.59; P<.0001), female (1.23; 1.09-1.41; P=.0019), non-Hispanic/Latino (1.43; 1.25-1.64; P<.0001), living with partners (1.28; 1.13-1.46; P=.0001), and receipt of active treatment (1.37; 1.18-1.58; P<.0001) were significantly associated with MWC [patient-reported outcomes] completion,” found the researchers.

Additionally, patient responders were referred to cancer support services more often than non-responders, 16.6% vs 5.4%, respectively.

“To optimize supportive care for ambulatory cancer patients, further research is needed to identify factors that can promote patient engagement, particularly in patients who are under-utilizers of such services,” concluded authors.

Reference:
Natori A, Sookdeo VD, Koru-Sengul T, et al. Predictors of adherence to patient reported outcomes and psychosocial needs questionnaire in a culturally diverse ambulatory oncology setting: The My Wellness Check Program. J Clin Oncol. 2021;39(suppl 28; abstr 173). doi:10.1200/JCO.2020.39.28_suppl.173