Abstract A150: Patient and provider perspectives on the implementation of patient-reported outcomes and health-related social needs assessment in oncology
TL;DR
Patient and provider perspectives on the implementation of patient-reported outcomes and health-related social needs assessment in oncology are explored, with patients and providers seeing PROs as valuable tools for patient-centered oncology care and for identifying HRSNs that contribute to disparities in cancer care.
Abstract
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly used in oncology to monitor symptoms, improve patient-provider communication, and support patient-centered care. However, disparities in PRO access, completion, review, and integration into clinical care may limit their benefit for underserved populations. While PROs improve patient outcomes, less is known about how patients and oncology providers experience PRO use in routine practice. This study explored patient and provider perspectives on PRO implementation and opportunities to improve equitable use. We conducted semi-structured interviews with patients and healthcare providers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Interviews explored experiences with PROs, clinic workflows, barriers and facilitators to PRO completion and review, technology use, provider information needs, and perspectives on collecting health-related social needs (HRSNs) through PROs. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Fourteen participants (5 patients, 9 providers) were interviewed; 14.3% identified as Black, 14.3% as Asian, and 28.6% as another race. Patients and providers valued PROs for symptom monitoring and communication. Patients preferred completing electronic PROs before clinic visits allowing time to reflect on symptoms and facilitating discussions with providers. However, patients questioned whether providers consistently reviewed their responses. Providers described implementation barriers, including difficulty locating PRO data in the electronic health record, limited clinic time, and unclear responsibility for reviewing responses and initiating follow-up. Both groups viewed PROs as an opportunity to identify HRSNs influencing cancer care. Participants identified transportation, food insecurity, and financial strain as important barriers to receiving optimal care. Providers believed systematically collecting HRSNs through PROs could facilitate earlier referrals to supportive services, while patients felt PROs provided a more comfortable way to disclose sensitive social needs that might otherwise go unrecognized. However, both groups emphasized that collection alone is insufficient and that PROs must be linked to clear clinical response pathways and accountability for reviewing and addressing patient-reported needs. Participants also acknowledged that questions related to finances and other needs could cause discomfort or perceived stigma. Patients and providers viewed PROs as valuable tools for patient-centered oncology care and for identifying HRSNs that contribute to disparities in cancer care. However, implementation barriers, including inconsistent review of PRO responses, workflow challenges, and limited follow-up processes, may reduce their effectiveness. Strengthening clinical workflows, integrating PRO data into routine care, and establishing standardized processes for responding to patient-reported clinical and social needs are critical to ensuring PROs support more equitable cancer care. Tionna Johnson, Pallavi Jonnalagadda, Kaya N. Cochran, Electra D. Paskett, Willi L. Tarver. Patient and provider perspectives on the implementation of patient-reported outcomes and health-related social needs assessment in oncology [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 19th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2026 Oct 18-21; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2026;35(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A150.