Electronic self-report assessment for cancer (ESRA-C): Results of a randomized clinical trial

9519 Background: Assessment of common cancer symptoms and quality of life (QOL) during therapy, notably psychosocial concerns, is known to be incomplete at times. Electronic self-report methods for patients are now available, yet evidence that such methods improve patient/clinician communication is lacking. A confidential, electronic self-report method for patients to report symptoms and concerns, ESRA-C, has been created and we report on a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of its effectiveness. Methods: A RCT was conducted at two urban cancer care institutions in adult patients with all types and stages of cancer. Participants completed two assessments, about 6 weeks apart, one prior to treatment and one during treatment, containing validated symptom and QOL measures on touch-screen computers. A graphical, color summary of participant responses was given to clinicians who assessed intervention group patients, versus no summary in the control group. Same-day clinic visits were audio-recorded and then coded ...