Exploring perceptions of digital patient reported outcome measures: a multi-site qualitative case study in four European oncology outpatient clinics

Abstract Background Digital Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) can help to promote patient-centred care (PCC). However, they are currently not routinely used, potentially compromising patient outcomes. In this work we sought to (i) explore existing processes, patient and healthcare professionals’ (HCP) perceptions of current gaps in PCC and (ii) their views on how a PROMs-based digital system could help to address these gaps in four European oncology outpatient clinics. Methods We conducted a qualitative multi-site case study including healthcare staff (organisational leaders, managers and HCPs), patients being treated for cancer and caregivers in four outpatient clinics in Brussels (Belgium), Edinburgh (United Kingdom), Oslo (Norway), and Valencia (Spain). Data were collected through a series of semi-structured interviews to explore existing work practices, needs and attitudes. We also conducted non-participant observations of staff meetings and clinic activities to explore existing processes. Data were analysed through a mixture of inductive and deductive approaches drawing on the Technology, People, Organizations, and Macroenvironmental (TPOM) factors framework. Results We conducted 99 interviews with HCPs, patients and caregivers and 30 observations across the four sites. PCC was regarded as important across all sites. We observed limited existing efforts on systematically recording psychosocial needs of patients. Participants reported concerns that a new digital system to record PROMs may result in increased workloads for clinical staff and adversely impact patient-clinician relationships. Attitudes were influenced by previous experience with digital systems. Organisational leadership and support were viewed as crucial in facilitating adoption, including efforts to train and engage clinical and patient users, making available sufficient resources, and including end-users in system design. Conclusions While digital PROMs have the potential to enhance PCC in cancer, their routine use is often hindered by sociotechnical challenges. This issue persists across different countries. Success in developing and implementing digital PROMs will require tailored system design and implementation strategies being cognisant of various stakeholder needs. This may include supplementing technological aspects of interventions with educational strategies, supporting local adaptations of designs, and aligning with clinician and organisational drivers for implementation.