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. 2021 Sep;17(9):e1278-e1285.
doi: 10.1200/OP.21.00269. Epub 2021 Jun 4.

Oncology Patients' Perspectives on Remote Patient Monitoring for COVID-19

Bobby Daly  1 , Tara S Lauria  1 , Jessie C Holland  1 , Jericho Garcia  1 , Jibran Majeed  1 , Chasity B Walters  1 , Melissa Zablocki  1 , Kimberly Chow  1 , Olga Strachna  1 , Caitlin E Giles  1 , Meghan F Kelly  1 , Ashley Housen  1 , Maryanne Canavan  1 , Nina M Maresca  1 , Ray Baser  1 , Rori Salvaggio  1 , Mark E Robson  1 , Diane L Reidy-Lagunes  1
Affiliations

Oncology Patients' Perspectives on Remote Patient Monitoring for COVID-19

Bobby Daly et al. JCO Oncol Pract. 2021 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose: Oncology patients are vulnerable to adverse outcomes associated with COVID-19, and clinical deterioration must be identified early. Several institutions launched remote patient monitoring programs (RPMPs) to care for patients with COVID-19. We describe patients' perspectives on a COVID-19 RPMP at a National Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Methods: Patients who tested positive for COVID-19 were eligible. Enrolled patients received a daily electronic COVID-19 symptom assessment, and a subset of high-risk patients also received a pulse oximeter. Monitoring was provided by a centralized team and was discontinued 14 days after a patient's positive test result and following 3 days without worsening symptoms. Patients who completed at least one assessment and exited the program were sent a patient engagement survey to evaluate the patient's experience with digital monitoring for COVID-19.

Results: The survey was distributed to 491 patients, and 257 responded (52% completion rate). The net promoter score was 85%. Most patients agreed that the RPMP was worthwhile, enabled better management of their COVID-19 symptoms, made them feel more connected to their healthcare team, and helped prevent emergency room visits. Identified themes regarding patient-perceived value of a RPMP included (1) security: a clinical safety net; (2) connection: a link to their clinical team during a period of isolation; and (3) empowerment: an education on the virus and symptom management.

Conclusion: RPMPs are perceived to be of value to oncology patients with COVID-19. Policymakers should consider how these programs can be reimbursed to keep vulnerable patients at home and out of the acute care setting.

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Conflict of interest statement

Bobby DalyLeadership: Quadrant HoldingsStock and Other Ownership Interests: Quadrant Holdings, CVS Health, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Lilly, IBM, Pfizer, Cigna, Baxter, ZoetisOther Relationship: AstraZenecaOpen Payments Link: https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov/physician/2785286 Mark E. RobsonConsulting or Advisory Role: Change HealthCareResearch Funding: AstraZeneca, Pfizer, MerckOther Relationship: Research to Practice, Clinical Care Options, Physicians' Education Resource, Invitae, PfizerUncompensated Relationships: Merck, Pfizer, Daiichi Sankyo, Epic SciencesOpen Payments Link: https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov/physician/612669/summary Diane L. Reidy-LagunesHonoraria: NovartisConsulting or Advisory Role: Lexicon, Advanced Accelerator ApplicationsResearch Funding: Novartis, Ipsen, MerckNo other potential conflicts of interest were reported.

Figures

FIG 1.
FIG 1.
Patient engagement survey: patient-perceived program value (N = 257). MSKCC, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
FIG 2.
FIG 2.
Conceptual model: three pillars of patient-perceived value of remote monitoring. MSKCC, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; RPMP, remote patient monitoring program.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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