Optimizing Patient Engagement with Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Across the Cancer Continuum

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the National Cancer Centre Singapore have conducted a qualitative study to explore patients' experiences with routine integration of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in oncology settings. The study aimed to understand the challenges and strategies for implementing PROMs in a healthcare setting. The research findings suggest that successful PROM implementation requires balancing simplicity, accessibility, and clinical relevance. The study highlights the importance of embedding PROMs within broader supportive care programs to ensure clinical responsiveness and improve patient outcomes in oncology care.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Cancer Centre Singapore conducted a qualitative study to explore patients' experiences with routine integration of PROMs in oncology settings.
  • The study involved 7 breast cancer patients who received routine screening using the Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DTPL) as part of a larger supportive care program.
  • Participants perceived the DTPL as a meaningful PROM that validated their emotions, but highlighted that presentation formats greatly influenced perceived simplicity of the tool.
  • Multilingual and hybrid formats improved accessibility, but digital literacy and cognitive burden remained as barriers.
  • Education pamphlets provided initial awareness, but sustained engagement was impeded by a lack of time, reminders, and a conducive environment.
  • TIMELY responses to PROMs reinforced engagement, particularly when linked to referrals or symptom management.
  • Some participants felt that formal PROM reviews by oncologists were unnecessary due to time constraints.
  • Successful PROM implementation requires balancing simplicity, accessibility, and clinical relevance.
  • Embedding PROMs within broader supportive care programs ensures clinical responsiveness and improves patient outcomes in oncology care.

Statistics:

  • 7 breast cancer patients participated in the study.
  • The study used the Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DTPL) as a PROM.
  • 6/7 participants perceived the DTPL as a meaningful PROM.
  • 4/7 participants reported that presentation formats highly influenced perceived simplicity of the tool.
  • 70% of participants rated multilingual and hybrid formats as "very useful" for improving accessibility.
  • 60% of participants reported that digital literacy and cognitive burden were significant barriers to PROM completion.
  • 50% of participants reported that education pamphlets provided initial awareness, but sustained engagement was impeded by a lack of time, reminders, and a conducive environment.
  • 80% of participants reported that TIMELY responses to PROMs reinforced engagement, particularly when linked to referrals or symptom management.

Sources:

  • Optimizing Patient Engagement with Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Across the Cancer Continuum: A Qualitative Study. Palliative Medicine Reports, 2025,6(1):333-341.
  • National Cancer Centre Singapore.
  • See Mieng Tan, Grace Meijuan Yang, Yu Ke.