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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2023 Aug;19(8):595-601.
doi: 10.1200/OP.23.00017. Epub 2023 May 26.

A Remote Symptom Monitoring Tool As Part of Ambulatory Cancer Surgery Recovery: A Qualitative Analysis of Patient Experience

Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A Remote Symptom Monitoring Tool As Part of Ambulatory Cancer Surgery Recovery: A Qualitative Analysis of Patient Experience

Taylor M McCready et al. JCO Oncol Pract. 2023 Aug.

Abstract

Purpose: Patients recovering from ambulatory cancer surgery at home may find it difficult to determine whether their postoperative symptoms are normal or potentially serious. We developed the Recovery Tracker to help patients navigate such issues. The Recovery Tracker is a 10-day, web-based electronic survey that monitors symptoms daily and provides feedback as to whether reported symptoms are expected or require follow-up. We sought to examine patient perceptions using this tool.

Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted from August 2017 to September 2019 with a convenience sample of patients from a larger randomized controlled trial of the Recovery Tracker. Patients undergoing surgery at an ambulatory cancer center dedicated to the surgical treatment of breast, gynecologic, urologic, head, and neck cancers and benign tumors were included. Thematic analysis was applied to derive key themes and codes via NVivo qualitative analysis software. Recruitment was conducted iteratively until thematic saturation.

Results: Forty-three patients were interviewed. Interview responses were organized into five main themes: (1) The Recovery Tracker led to more seamless communication with the care team; (2) symptoms not expected or not listed on the Recovery Tracker caused stress; (3) the Recovery Tracker was perceived as an extension of care, prompting reflection about symptoms and recovery; (4) Enhanced Feedback provided reassurance and helped set expectations; and (5) the Recovery Tracker was easy to use.

Conclusion: The patient experience of electronic symptom monitoring and feedback is congruent with the aims of such monitoring and feedback. Further qualitative research is required in more diverse populations.

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Conflict of interest statement

The following represents disclosure information provided by authors of this manuscript. All relationships are considered compensated unless otherwise noted. Relationships are self-held unless noted. I = Immediate Family Member, Inst = My Institution. Relationships may not relate to the subject matter of this manuscript. For more information about ASCO's conflict of interest policy, please refer to www.asco.org/rwc or ascopubs.org/op/authors/author-center.

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