Patient and provider perceptions of the benefits and limitations of implementing ePRO-driven remote symptom monitoring into real-world cancer care settings.

325 Background: Remote symptom monitoring (RSM) utilizes electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) to facilitate the monitoring and management of treatment-related symptoms outside of traditional healthcare appointment settings. Research suggests benefits surrounding the implementation of RSM; however, there is a literature gap regarding patient and provider perceptions of its implemented use. Methods: This qualitative study included patients and providers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and the Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) in Mobile, Alabama, who participated in semi-structured interviews aimed at gaining insight into the experiences of and perceptions surrounding RSM utilization. Interviews occurred over the phone, via digital videoconference, or in person, and were transcribed and inductively coded using NVivo software alongside a constant comparative method to establish a grounded coding schema. Results: Forty patients (20 UAB; 20 MCI) and 30 oncology providers (16 UAB; 14 MCI) identified 25 benefits across 3 overarching themes. Patients and providers found RSM Facilitated Proactive Management enabling early symptom identification and intervention, which helped to reduce symptom burden. Both groups also noticed RSM Improved Therapeutic Alliance, by fostering the relationship between the patient and their care team and enhancing the patient’s sense of safety and security through continued and sincere communication. Patients and providers also discussed how RSM Promoted Self-Efficacy and Management among Patients by allowing patients to feel involved and in control of their care, while giving them an inclination to be active members in their care. Providers felt that more active patient involvement in care contributed to a more accurate and thorough reporting of symptoms. Patients and providers also noted drawbacks regarding RSM, including lack of need in cases of no or mild symptoms. Conclusions: Patients and providers recognized the impact RSM had on patient care during cancer treatment. However, given some of the perceived limitations, patient and provider evaluations should continue to ensure successful implementation in future clinical trials. Clinical trial information: NCT04809740 .