Symptom tracking for community dwelling oncology patients is an ongoing challenge for care providers. The application of technological solutions to aid in symptom identification and treatment can directly benefit patients in the community. We developed an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system to streamline symptom tracking and treatment for patients. The IVR delivers the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) consisting of 13 symptom questions rating symptom severity, and 6 interference items rating symptom interference with function. The IVR system proactively delivers the MDASI via telephone. Patients select the best days/times to have the system call. The IVR initiates each call to the patients' home and retries at 45-minute intervals up to three times. Patients use their hospital ID number and a personal identification number to verify identity. Patients utilize numbers on their touch tone keypad to enter symptom information based on a 0-10 numerical scale. Thresholds may be set for each symptom, which when exceeded trigger a page, fax or email to notify the provider of symptom severity. Evaluation of patient responses to IVR questions indicate that out of 1453 calls, 17.57% would have triggered a threshold alert set at 5, and resulted in provider contact. Successful calls provide instant symptom information, benefiting patients due to rapid symptom assessment, and care providers who can proactively address symptom distress before an ER visit or readmission becomes necessary. IVR technology applied to symptom assessment and treatment is a valuable clinical tool, gaining acceptance from community dwelling patients, and the health care community.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to: identify the importance of assessing and tracking symptoms among cancer patients; describe the surveillance capabilities of the IVR; and identify ways or methods of integrating community surveillance with clinical practice.
Keywords: Epidemiology, Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.