TaBeL – Tablet-based self-assessment of functional impairment and quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer – a controlled care study

Introduction:

Functional impairments in patients with head and neck cancer (HNSCC) and their quality of life have so far been inadequately standardized in everyday clinical practice. Previous experience with computer-assisted quality of life measurements suggests a positive benefit for patients and physicians in tumor follow-up. The aim is to develop a standardized tablet-based data collection using standardized instruments and their multimedia data processing and the associated improvement in the quality of life and communication between doctor and patient.

Methods:

Prospective non randomized Controlled Care Study to Measure Quality of life and functional impairment in patients with HNSCC in the waiting group design. Using a tablet-based survey, data on functioning, symptom burden, quality of life and survival are to be collected depending on the therapy and current complaints of patients with head and neck cancer. The multimedia processing of the questionnaires for the treated doctor will take place later in a second phase of the project.

Result:

To date, 61 patients have been enrolled. In contrast, there are 27 patients who were unable to attend the survey due to various causes.

Conclusion:

After integrating the tablet-based survey into the clinic's internal workflows, the first few months showed that optimizing user acceptance requires improving internal processes and ongoing software development. A final statement about the added value of tablet-based data collection can not be answered at this time.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)