Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Sep 6, 2019
Date Accepted: Mar 11, 2021
Suitability of a Novel Digital Patient-Reported Outcome Platform Noona for clinical use in cancer patients
ABSTRACT
Background:
As the incidence of cancer is increasing there is a need for developing modern communication methods between patients and the medical personnel. Electronic measurement of patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) increases safety of cancer treatments and may have an impact on treatment outcome as well. ePRO may also provide a cost-efficient way to organize follow-up for cancer patients. Noona® is an internet-based system for patients to self-report symptoms and adverse events of cancer treatments from home via computer or smart devices.
Objective:
In this pilot study, we assessed the suitability of a novel ePRO application Noona® for cancer patients, nurses and doctors at the Helsinki University Hospital, Finland.
Methods:
The study included 44 cancer patients and 17 health care professionals. Patients were either operated or received systemic treatment or radiotherapy. Patients reported their symptoms to the medical staff via Noona®. In addition, patients and clinicians answered to a questionnaire for evaluating Noona's usability.
Results:
Forty one (93%) patients and 15 (81%) professionals reported that program was easy or quite easy to use. Thirty eight (86%) patients and 11 (61%) professionals found Noona® reliable. Thirty eight (86%) patients and 10 (56%) professionals would recommend Noona® to other patients or their colleagues. No harmful incidences caused by use of Noona® were reported by the patients.
Conclusions:
The majority of the participants felt that Noona® appeared reliable and it was easy to use. Noona® seems to be a useful tool for monitoring patient's symptoms during cancer therapy. Future studies will determine the impact of this ePRO platform in routine clinical practise.
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