To Örebro University

Background: In the front line in cancer care is to systematically integratepatient reported outcomes (PRO) in clinical practice. The development ofthis research program is based on The Participatory Care Model, and buildson how patients can be integrated in their care. The aim is to evaluate the effects of an interactive e-health solution for assessment of symptom burden, generating instant self-care advice and instant access to health care professionals.

Methods: The hypothesis is that the intervention promotes safe and participatory care and thereby improves clinical management and health care costs. The experimental multicenter studies incorporate a mixedmethod approach. Ongoing studies include patients with pancreatic and prostate cancer using the mobile phone application in comparison to control groups in standard care. Outcomes are collected before and after treatment by questionnaires concerning capacity to understand, communicate health needs and promote healthy behaviors (health literacy), symptom burden and management and quality of life and from records and registers about disease progress and health care costs. Interviews concern participatory and meaningful care. Studies are ongoing for patients with prostate and pancreatic cancer and elderly populations living at home or in care homes.

Results: By using technology patients are able to communicate symptoms and receive instant support while cared for on an outpatient basis and at the same time feel reassured that their condition is monitored by health care professionals facilitating safe and participatory care.