Connected Health: Cancer Symptom and Quality-of-Life Assessment Using a Tablet Computer: A Pilot Study. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aktas, Aynur; Hullihen, Barbara; Shrotriya, Shiva; Thomas, Shirley; Walsh, Declan; Estfan, Bassam
• Is Part Of: American journal of hospice & palliative care. Volume 32:Number 2(2015)
• Page Start: 189
• Page End: 197
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: cancer -- connected health -- patient reported outcomes -- quality of life -- symptoms -- tablet computer; Hospice care -- Periodicals; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; 362.175
• DOI: 10.1177/1049909113510963
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-9091

Abstract

Incorporation of tablet computers (TCs) into patient assessment may facilitate safe and secure data collection. We evaluated the usefulness and acceptability of a TC as an electronic self-report symptom assessment instrument. Research Electronic Data Capture Web-based application supported data capture. Information was collected and disseminated in real time and a structured format. Completed questionnaires were printed and given to the physician before the patient visit. Most participants completed the survey without assistance. Completion rate was 100%. The median global quality of life was high for all. More than half reported pain. Based on Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, the top 3 most common symptoms were tiredness, anxiety, and decreased well-being. Patient and physician acceptability for these quick and useful TC-based surveys was excellent.