Original Article
Development and validation of the Web-Based Patient-Reported Outcomes Capture System-Needs, Acceptance and Readiness Assessment (WPROCS-NARA) questionnaires
Abstract
Background: A web-based patient-reported outcomes capture system (WPROCS) can potentially improve efficacy of symptom monitoring and management and overcome barriers to long-term monitoring and care among adult cancer patients. The patients’ needs, acceptance and readiness for such a system need to be explored and understood to support and guide its development. We developed an instrument to survey needs, acceptance and readiness for WPROCS among adult cancer patients.
Methods: Literature was searched for applicable instruments in English and for relevant studies to guide modification of such existing instruments according to our objectives. Filipino versions were developed. The modified questionnaires were subjected to content validation by experts and pilot-tested to adult cancer patients.
Results: Three questionnaires were developed, one for each dimension—needs, acceptance and readiness. The Needs Assessment Questionnaire explored overall and emotional health; healthcare needs; distressing symptoms and medications; feeding and nutrition; social support and access to healthcare; and ambulatory capacity and functional disability. The Acceptance Assessment Questionnaire explored socio-demographic variables; attitude towards WPROCS, perceived logistic capacity and competency to use it, and willingness to acquire materials, equipment, knowledge and/or access to it when lacking. The Readiness Assessment Questionnaire explored computer and Internet access and use; and computer and Internet skills training and perceived competence. The final instrument, Web-Based Patient-Reported Outcomes Capture System-Needs, Acceptance and Readiness Assessment (WPROCS-NARA), was shown to be practicable, valid and reliable.
Conclusions: The WPROCS-NARA is a useful tool in understanding the needs, acceptance and readiness among adult cancer patients for a web-based PROs capture system. We have undertaken a survey using this instrument to guide and support future development of a web- and/or short message service (SMS)-based application to facilitate symptom screening and evaluation of symptom management outcomes through remote symptom-reporting. The findings of this survey are reported elsewhere.
Methods: Literature was searched for applicable instruments in English and for relevant studies to guide modification of such existing instruments according to our objectives. Filipino versions were developed. The modified questionnaires were subjected to content validation by experts and pilot-tested to adult cancer patients.
Results: Three questionnaires were developed, one for each dimension—needs, acceptance and readiness. The Needs Assessment Questionnaire explored overall and emotional health; healthcare needs; distressing symptoms and medications; feeding and nutrition; social support and access to healthcare; and ambulatory capacity and functional disability. The Acceptance Assessment Questionnaire explored socio-demographic variables; attitude towards WPROCS, perceived logistic capacity and competency to use it, and willingness to acquire materials, equipment, knowledge and/or access to it when lacking. The Readiness Assessment Questionnaire explored computer and Internet access and use; and computer and Internet skills training and perceived competence. The final instrument, Web-Based Patient-Reported Outcomes Capture System-Needs, Acceptance and Readiness Assessment (WPROCS-NARA), was shown to be practicable, valid and reliable.
Conclusions: The WPROCS-NARA is a useful tool in understanding the needs, acceptance and readiness among adult cancer patients for a web-based PROs capture system. We have undertaken a survey using this instrument to guide and support future development of a web- and/or short message service (SMS)-based application to facilitate symptom screening and evaluation of symptom management outcomes through remote symptom-reporting. The findings of this survey are reported elsewhere.
