QUASAR 2 Mobile: Utilising handheld computers to improve symptom outcomes for patients receiving chemotherapy: the impact of an Electronic Symptom Management System on chemotherapy-related toxicity
Sharon Love and Rachel Waters with David Kerr and Lionel Tarassenko (Oxford)
Recent changes in cancer care provision have led to shorter hospital stays and an increasing reliance on outpatient facilities. As cancer treatments become more effective, they subsequently become more complex and patients must often manage treatment-related side effects at home. It is imperative that patients have the necessary information and support to effectively manage these symptoms, and that these symptoms are accurately assessed and communicated to clinical staff to facilitate the identification of severe or potential problems and to promote timely interventions to help patients manage these.
In 20 of the QUASAR 2 sites, there will be an additional randomisation to new or standard symptom care:
Group 1: Use of an electronic symptom management system (ESMS) to complete a daily symptom assessment questionnaire and obtain self-care advice and professional feedback (if indicated)
Group 2: Use of a paper-based daily symptom assessment questionnaire to record and assess symptoms
The aim of this trial is to see if the use of ESMS reduces the severity and duration of symptoms.
This trial is designed, has achieved funding and is currently submitted for MREC approval.
Sharon Love and Rachel Waters with David Kerr and Lionel Tarassenko (Oxford)
Recent changes in cancer care provision have led to shorter hospital stays and an increasing reliance on outpatient facilities. As cancer treatments become more effective, they subsequently become more complex and patients must often manage treatment-related side effects at home. It is imperative that patients have the necessary information and support to effectively manage these symptoms, and that these symptoms are accurately assessed and communicated to clinical staff to facilitate the identification of severe or potential problems and to promote timely interventions to help patients manage these.
In 20 of the QUASAR 2 sites, there will be an additional randomisation to new or standard symptom care:
Group 1: Use of an electronic symptom management system (ESMS) to complete a daily symptom assessment questionnaire and obtain self-care advice and professional feedback (if indicated)
Group 2: Use of a paper-based daily symptom assessment questionnaire to record and assess symptoms
The aim of this trial is to see if the use of ESMS reduces the severity and duration of symptoms.
This trial is designed, has achieved funding and is currently submitted for MREC approval.
