Below the Belt Award

Patient reported outcomes assessment (PRO), particularly symptoms and side-effects of treatment, integrated into cancer care have been shown to improve quality of life and survival in people living with a range of cancers. What is unclear is the best way to integrate data collection into cancer care to ensure symptoms are responded to and effectively addressed outside a clinical trial. We will assess the feasibility and acceptability of PRO assessment to patients and healthcare professionals. To determine the impact of PRO assessment on cancer care and clinical services we will monitor clinical recommendations and treatment changes made in response to PRO reports provided by patients via a self-report app. We will also interview patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to develop a deep understanding of the barriers and facilitators to incorporating routine collection of PRO assessment of symptoms in practice. Completing this pilot study will provide substantial informative data to support future implementation of PRO symptom assessment and the clinical pathways required to provide appropriate care for patients experience symptoms and side-effects of GU cancer and its treatment. Ultimately, this project will support reduction in the undesirable effects of cancer and its treatment and will improve quality of life and quality of survival for those impacted by cancer. In the longer-term, it is expected to reduce the impact of patient symptom and side-effects on the healthcare system by proactively intervening and reducing the costs of care.