A research team from the University of California, Irvine has developed a novel electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) tool designed to improve cancer care support for racial and ethnic minority patients undergoing chemotherapy.
The innovative web-based application, detailed in a study published in JCO Oncology Practice, aims to bridge the gap in cancer care disparities by enabling patients to report their health data in multiple languages via smartphones, tablets, or computers.
The study, conducted between July 2021 and June 2023, focused on newly diagnosed adult cancer patients receiving intravenous anticancer therapies. Participants used the ePRO tool to digitally record and submit symptoms and side effects at each treatment visit, allowing oncology pharmacists to conduct real-time assessments and proactively intervene. The research revealed that Hispanic and Asian patients reported higher levels of pain, nausea, and vomiting compared to non-Hispanic white patients, and also frequented urgent care centers more often for symptom management.
“Racial and ethnic disparities significantly affect symptom burden and severity, but early recognition of health issues is often hindered by patients’ limited health literacy or poor communication due to language barriers,” explained Alexandre Chan, the study’s corresponding author and UC Irvine chair and professor of clinical pharmacy practice.
“To address these challenges, it’s crucial to develop innovative solutions that enhance treatment strategies tailored to each person’s specific needs. By leveraging technology and the specialized knowledge of oncology pharmacists, we can help create a more equitable healthcare system.”
The trial was led by oncology pharmacists at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center in Orange, enrolling a total of 250 patients: 42.4 percent non-Hispanic white, 30.8 percent Hispanic, and 20.4 percent non-Hispanic Asian. Participants reported symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain, and fatigue at each visit, which were then reviewed by oncology pharmacists who provided personalized treatment and counseling. An impressive 90 percent of patients expressed satisfaction with the tool across all visits.
“Past studies have utilized ePRO for symptom management in cancer patients, but they were primarily implemented in mostly non-Hispanic white populations and seldom involved pharmacists,” Chan noted.
“By reducing language barriers, using real-time analytics, and allowing pharmacists to provide timely and personalized symptom management, our approach shows the potential to facilitate patient-centered care for accurate and effective interventions, to minimize adverse effects and to improve health outcomes.”
The researchers believe that this study underscores the importance of integrating technology with specialized healthcare knowledge to address healthcare disparities. The ePRO tool’s success in reducing language barriers and enabling real-time symptom management demonstrates its potential to transform cancer care for diverse populations. By fostering early recognition and intervention, the ePRO tool aims to create a more equitable healthcare system, ensuring that all patients receive the support and treatment they need.
