Trevethan M, Rammant E, Brown A, Brown B, Crawford Williams F, Doupain K, Eastgate M, Girgis A, McGuire P, Martin K, Hartel G, Miller E, Sabesan S, Sanmugarajah J, Wishart LR, Wyld D, Webb PM, Chan R, Packer R. Patient, carer and healthcare professionals' perspectives of electronic patient-reported outcome measures in cancer care: A qualitative exploration. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2026 Sep 25;85:103330. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2026.103330.
Abstract
Purpose: Emerging research indicates electronic patient-reported outcome measures may be effective in optimising cancer management. Research triangulating patient, caregiver, and healthcare professional perspectives is limited. This study aimed to explore different stakeholder perspectives of electronic patient-reported outcome measures use at varied time points after implementation.
Methods: This qualitative descriptive study forms part of a larger multi-site hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial across four hospital facilities in Australia. A cross-section of patients, carers and healthcare professionals completed a single semi-structured interview to share their experiences of using electronic patient-reported outcome measures up to 12-months after implementation. Content analysis was used to analyse the data.
Results: A total of 34 interviews (between 10 and 40 min each) were completed including patients (n = 17), carers (n = 7), and healthcare professionals (n = 10). Three key themes were identified: 1) Influence of electronic patient-reported outcome measures on care; 2) Accessing and using electronic patient-reported outcome measures; and, 3) Perceptions of how healthcare professionals use electronic patient-reported outcome measures. Patients largely perceived electronic patient-reported outcome measures as helpful to build connection and improve communication with healthcare professionals. There were mixed views from carers and healthcare professionals with unclear purpose or benefits reported. Strategies to enhance benefits of electronic patient-reported outcome measures included timing consideration, frequency and integration with face-to-face care.
Conclusion: Electronic patient-reported outcome measures have the potential to support patient-led communication and enhance therapeutic relationships among patients, carers and healthcare professionals. However, participants identified several implementation challenges that influenced the full realisation of electronic patient-reported outcome measures benefits to care.
Keywords: (4-6); Cancer care; Electronic patient-reported outcome measure; Qualitative research; Symptom reporting.
Copyright © 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.
