An estimated 50 percent of cancer-related symptoms go undetected and unreported. Electronic systems that facilitate patient-reported outcome (PRO) surveys may identify symptoms early and prompt clinicians to intervene before the symptoms become more complicated or complex, thereby improving outcomes. A study randomly assigned to patients a weekly internet-based or automated telephone system survey that included questions about common symptoms, performance status, and falls. People with advanced cancer who communicated their symptoms weekly using an electronic survey had about one-third better physical function and over a 15% better control of their symptoms compared to those who were evaluated less frequently via in-person clinical visits.

Source: Medical Xpress