Improving Thoracic Surgical Care Using Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes (ePROS)

Launched by UNC LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER · Oct 3, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how using electronic surveys can improve care for patients undergoing thoracic surgery, which involves operations on the chest area. The study is designed to see how well “ePRO monitoring” works—this means patients will fill out online surveys about their symptoms and how they’re feeling after surgery. If any answers raise concerns, the medical team will be alerted automatically so they can provide timely support. The trial is currently active but not recruiting new participants.

To be eligible for the study, patients must be at least 18 years old and able to speak either English or Spanish. They should also be planning to have major thoracic surgery or have had such surgery within the last month. However, patients who have not completed their surgery within three months, cannot understand the required languages, or have certain mental health conditions will not be able to participate. Those who join can expect to complete surveys before and after their surgery, which will help their healthcare team monitor their recovery and make improvements in patient care.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Patients participating in ePRO monitoring must meet the following inclusion criteria to participate in this study:
• • 1. 18 years or older
• • 2. English or Spanish speaking
• • 3. Able to complete a web-based, telephonic (IVR), or CRA (or other IRB-approved research team member)-administrated symptom survey
• • 4. Planned to undergo major thoracic surgery (involving chest wall incisions and overnight admission)
• • 5. Discharged from the thoracic surgery service
• • 6. Discharged to home
• Exclusion Criteria:
• All patients meeting any of the following exclusion criteria at enrollment will be excluded from study participation:
• • 1. Not completing planned surgery within 3 months of obtaining informed consent
• • 2. Inability to understand English or Spanish
• • 3. Having undergone only minor thoracic surgery (e.g. bronchoscopy, cervical mediastinoscopy)
• • 4. Dementia, altered mental status, or any psychiatric condition determined by the thoracic surgery provider team that would prohibit the understanding or rendering of informed consent.
• • 5. Current incarceration
• • 6. Pregnancy