The PRO-TECT trial – just published in the JCO Oncology Practice journal and supported by the Alliance Foundation Trials (AFT) non-profit research organisation – showed that this type of remote check-in can "help bridge communication gaps between patients and their treatment teams, offering a powerful way to make cancer care more effective," according to the investigators.
Any sudden worsening in symptoms recorded by the check-in system – delivered online or using an automated telephone system that did not require Internet access – triggered an alert to the care team.
Over three months of follow-up, patients using the check-in system showed statistically significant improvements in symptom control and physical function compared to the standard care group, with improved quality-of-life outcomes overall.
Crucially, PRO-TECT found that the biggest improvements were seen among patient groups that have historically faced the greatest barriers to care, including Black patients and individuals with less formal education.
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