Clinic-based perspectives on the integration of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in a tertiary cancer center

Purpose This study examines providers’ and clinic staff’s perspectives on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) implementation at an academic medical center. Methods An anonymous and voluntary survey was administered to Henry Ford Cancer providers and clinic staff 18 months after PROs program implementation in September 2020, to obtain their feedback on perceived barriers, impact on workflows, and PROs administration frequency in routine cancer care. Results A total of 180 providers and 40 clinic staff were invited to complete the survey; 31% and 63% completed the survey, respectively. Approximately 68% of providers reported that electronically integrated PROs scores were either beneficial or somewhat beneficial to their patients, while only 28% of the clinic staff reported that PROs were beneficial or somewhat beneficial to patients. According to the clinic staff, the most common barriers to PROs completion included lack of patients’ awareness of the utility of the program with respect to their care, patients’ health status at check-in, and PROs being offered too frequently. Conclusion There is favorable acceptance of the PROs program by providers, but clinic staff found it less favorable. Interventions to address barriers and improve program engagement are needed to ensure broad adoption of PROs in oncology practice.