Computerized symptom and quality-of-life assessment for patients with cancer part II: acceptability and usability

Abstract

Purpose/objectives: To determine the acceptability and usability of a computerized quality-of-life (QOL) and symptom assessment tool and the graphically displayed QOL and symptom output in an ambulatory radiation oncology clinic.

Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional.

Setting: Radiation oncology clinic located in an urban university medical center.

Sample: 45 patients with cancer being evaluated for radiation therapy and 10 clinicians, who submitted 12 surveys.

Methods: Acceptability of the computerized assessment was measured with an online, 16-item, Likert-style survey delivered as 45 patients undergoing radiation therapy completed a 25-item QOL and symptom assessment. Usability of the graphic output was assessed with clinician completion of a four-item paper survey.

Main research variables: Acceptability and usability of computerized patient assessment.

Findings: The patient acceptability survey indicated that 70% (n = 28) liked computers and 10% (n = 4) did not. The program was easy to use for 79% (n = 26), easy to understand for 91% (n = 30), and enjoyable for 71% (n = 24). Seventy-six percent (n = 25) believed that the amount of time needed to complete the computerized survey was acceptable. Sixty-six percent (n = 21) responded that they were satisfied with the program, and none of the participants chose the very dissatisfied response. Eighty-three percent (n = 10) of the clinicians found the graphic output helpful in promoting communication with patients, 75% (n = 9) found the output report helpful in identifying appropriate areas of QOL deficits or concerns, and 83% (n = 10) indicated that the output helped guide clinical interactions with patients.

Conclusions: The computer-based QOL and symptom assessment tool is acceptable to patients, and the graphically displayed QOL and symptom output is useful to radiation oncology nurses and physicians.

Implications for nursing: Wider application of computerized patient-generated data can continue in various cancer settings and be tested for clinical and organizational outcomes.