Imagine a world where cancer patients can receive timely support and manage their symptoms effectively, all while reducing the strain on healthcare teams. This is the inspiring vision that a recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers has brought to life.
The Challenge: Cancer Symptoms and Emergency Visits
For those battling cancer, symptoms like pain, anxiety, and insomnia can quickly escalate into emergency room visits. These visits not only take an emotional toll on patients and caregivers but also come with a hefty financial cost.
A Digital Solution: Automated Symptom Check-Ins
Enter the Enhanced EHR-Facilitated Cancer Symptom Control Trial (E2C2). This innovative trial, led by Dr. Andrea Cheville, aimed to explore whether automating symptom check-ins and care through electronic health records (EHRs) could improve patients' lives without overburdening oncology teams.
And the results are nothing short of remarkable.
The Impact: Improved Lives, Reduced Hospital Visits
The study found that this approach not only alleviated symptoms like anxiety and depression but also kept thousands of patients out of the hospital. For Becky Johnson, a participant in the trial, it meant better sleep despite the anxiety surrounding her double breast cancer diagnosis.
"A virtual or phone call visit was incredibly convenient and efficient," Johnson shared. The intervention, which included digital surveys and support from a remote symptom care manager, helped Johnson improve her sleep and manage her symptoms effectively.
The Technology Behind the Scenes
To make this possible, researchers developed automations in the Plummer Chart software, which manages patients' EHRs. Between 2019 and 2023, over 50,200 patients across 15 cancer specialties at Mayo Clinic enrolled in the trial.
The software acted as an automated traffic controller and safety net, routing information to patients and care teams efficiently. Mild symptom scores were logged, moderate scores triggered self-care tips, and severe scores prompted outreach from a remote care manager.
The Results: Efficient Care, Improved Symptoms
The trial's outcomes were impressive. Patients reported reduced anxiety and depression, and there was a significant decrease in acute care encounters, including emergency visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions.
All of this was achieved with a small care team of just 2-3 full-time managers and 20% of one physician's time, supporting over 50,000 study participants.
A New Approach to Cancer Care
The E2C2 trial showcases a groundbreaking approach to using digital tools in cancer care. By automating routine monitoring and triaging of patient symptoms through EHRs, a small team can support a large patient population.
"The gains we've seen are encouraging and point to a scalable way to extend supportive oncology care beyond clinic walls," Dr. Cheville said.
And here's where it gets controversial: Could this automated approach replace the need for larger care teams? Or is it a complementary tool to enhance patient care?
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
