Improving the Assessment of Patient-reported Outcomes among Black/African-American Cancer Patients

Ohio State University, Columbus OH

Investigators

Abstract

Willi L. Tarver is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, College of Medicine at The Ohio State University. Dr. Tarver is responding to PAR-21-295 to obtain the skills, knowledge and mentored research experience that are essential for a career as a research scientist focusing on cancer health informatics and health services research. His long-term goal is to build an independent program of research that utilizes health information technologies to improve cancer care and cancer health. The short-term goals for the award period include: 1) gaining formal training in psychometrics and practical experience with PatientReported Outcomes (PROs) and their assessment in the cancer context, 2) expanding knowledge and skills of Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research Approaches; 3) gaining formal training in health services research, with a focus on methodological approaches to improve cancer health; and 4) developing leadership skills training for research scientists, including training in manuscript writing and grantsmanship toward building a presence in his respective field. Some patients may experience a greater cancer burden and poorer health outcomes on account of various community health factors (CHF). PROs provide additional prognostic information that may lead to more patient-centered care, improved patient-provider communication, and better clinical outcomes such as survival. However, studies have shown that some cancer patients are less likely to complete PROs and more likely to report difficulty in understanding the wording of PRO questions. Furthermore, adequately assessing PROs in all populations may require the collection of data beyond standard clinical measures, such as CHF. This proposal is aimed at improving the assessment of patient-reported outcomes among all cancer patients. I will conduct qualitative interviews with cancer patients to understand the concerns and impediments to (e.g., computer literacy, security concerns, etc.) and facilitators of (e.g., education or other assistance) completing PROs and items capturing CHFs. I will also conduct qualitative interviews with cancer care providers to understand their impediments to and facilitators of the collection of PROs and information about CHFs, their information needs, and their preferences for assessing and using PROs and CHFs. The knowledge derived from the interviews of patients and providers will inform the development, refinement, and implementation of a PRO/CHF tool tailored to the needs and preferences of patients and their cancer care providers. The resulting PRO/CHF tool and delivery approach will undergo feasibility testing and will be adapted in a manner supportive of provider workflow. The research accomplished during this award period will lay the foundation for a randomized trial to test the effectiveness of equipping cancer care providers with PRO/CHF data on the provision of cancer care, clinical decision-making, and changes in medical treatment.