Implementation of a digital multimedia tool for prostate cancer patient consultation.

Abstract

345 Background: MyCareGorithm, is a digital health tool designed to improve the cancer consultation experience for patients, companions, and physicians. This tool provides audiovisual guides for cancer related evaluation and management. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this tool for both the patient and physician. Methods: In a prospective, IRB-approved, pilot study, 31 patients with prostate cancer and 12 companions from a single institution underwent an initial consult using this digital multimedia tool. They completed a survey of 6 “yes” or “no” questions to evaluate their understanding of their disease and treatment options. Two physicians completed a 7-question survey to evaluate their experience with this tool. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: Over 90% of patients reported this tool helped them better understand their cancer diagnosis, treatment options, and felt their understating of their medical situation and the quality of the consult was enhanced. 100% would recommend this to other patients. Their companions agreed and answered “yes” over 90% of the time in all categories. Comments from patients include phrase “very helpful” multiple times. Physicians agreed 97% of the time that this helped communicating difficult information and enhanced the quality of the consult. Physicians agreed that the patient had a greater understanding of their cancer, treatment, and that they would use this tool again 100% of the time. 94% of physicians agreed this tool improved efficiency and provided a more effective consult. Physician comments described the infographics as “helpful” in several instances. Survey questions and results are shown (Table). Conclusions: Implementing the MyCareGorithm digital health tool resulted in high levels patient satisfaction, comprehension, and enhanced the overall consult experience. Physicians also report high patient satisfaction and comprehension, enhancements to the overall consult, and improved clinical efficiency. The recurring comment from both physicians and patients was “helpful.” The positive results show the value of this digital communication tool. Further studies with a larger cohort and other disease sites should be assessed. Patient, companion, and physician survey questions and results. Survey Questions % Patients Agreed % Companions Agreed % Physicians Agreed Helped patient greater understand their prostate cancer 97% 100% 100% Helped patient greater understand treatment 90% 100% 100% Enhanced the quality of the consultation 97% 100% 97% Helped patient greater understand their medical situation 100% 100% - Would recommend this tool to other patients 100% 100% 100% Would review the information after consult 84% 92%* - Improved efficiency of the consultation - - 94% Helped physician provide more effective consult - - 94% Helped ease communication of complex information - - 97%