Identification and communication of therapeutic and supportive needs

Patients’ self-perceptions, e.g. of their symptom burden, can differ considerably from the assessment of healthcare professionals (HCPs).

PROMs can improve problem identification by detecting cancer- or therapy-related burden more frequently and earlier, especially when the symptoms are not easily observable (e.g. fatigue, emotional burden) or the issues are sensitive (e.g. sexuality).

They can also improve HCP-patient communication by

increasing the (self-) awareness and reflection of patients
supporting patients to articulate their concerns
raising awareness of HCPs to individual needs.

Studies^1,2 show this leads to more frequent discussions of patient-relevant issues, including HRQOL domains beyond symptoms (e.g., work, social, or financial difficulties).

Adam, Burton, Bond, Bruin, & Murchie, 2016; Atkinson et al., 2015; Gilbert et al., 2015; Jacobsen, Moldrup, Christrup, & Sjogren, 2009; Xiao, Polomano, & Bruner, 2013

¹ Graupner et al. 2021; ² Kotronoulas et al. 2014