Development of a patient-reported ONCOlogical-ROUTinE-Screening (ONCO-ROUTES) procedure and its digital implementation at the University Cancer Center Regensburg

Abstract

Purpose The evaluation of treatment success and progression in oncology patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is playing an increasingly important role. Meanwhile, PROs are a component of the certification requirements of the German Cancer Society for oncology centers. PROs are used to provide supportive therapy. At the University Hospital Regensburg (UKR), a digital ONCOlogical-ROUTinE-Screening (ONCO-ROUTES) procedure was developed in order to assess the need for supportive therapy in a standardized way and to provide patients with supportive interventions tailored to their needs. Methods On the basis of already established processes and current requirements, the development of ONCO-ROUTES was supported by experts in focus groups and interviews, and digitalization was carried out in connection with the IT infrastructure. Results A Needs-based, Quality-of-life (QoL) and Symptoms Screening (NQS²) tool already established in the routine at the UKR was further developed into ONCO-ROUTES, which is made up of the domains therapy phase, nutrition, tobacco use, alcohol use, quality of life, general condition/functional status, physical activity, psychooncology, social services, and further support needs. By linking the digitized questionnaire to the hospital information system, the results are available for immediate use in routine operations and thus for the referral of patients for further supportive therapy. Conclusion Especially digital PROs enable a wide range of clinical applications in the context of oncology centers. ONCO-ROUTES is designed to include patients in their treatment and to provide supportive interdisciplinary treatment that is tailored to their needs.