Pilot Study on Home Blood Count Monitoring for Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy in South Baltic Countries

What this Trial Is About

Cancer diagnoses are increasing yearly, requiring patients to have regular blood tests to ensure safety and eligibility for chemotherapy. Traveling to clinics for these tests can be burdensome, especially for those living far away, causing extra costs, reliance on helpers, risk of hospital infections, and missed treatments. This study aims to assess the successful implementation of remote home blood monitoring for cancer patients during and after systemic treatment, while also piloting new technology and evaluating costs and changes in patient care pathways. The study is conducted in three South Baltic countries Denmark, Poland, and Germany and includes two groups a study group of 33 patients per center using home blood monitoring with the HemoScreen device, and a control group of 20 patients per center receiving standard blood tests at outpatient clinics. After training during the first chemotherapy cycle at the clinic, patients will perform blood tests at home for subsequent cycles, with results sent to coordinators before chemotherapy sessions. Decisions about chemotherapy administration are based on standard laboratory blood tests. The study covers four chemotherapy cycles and a three-month follow-up. Participants will complete questionnaires about health status, quality of life, and care experience at baseline, after treatment, and at follow-up. Researchers will monitor adherence to home testing, adverse events, and the potential reduction of unnecessary hospital visits. The study also involves workshops to support implementation and gathers patient and healthcare professional perspectives using Group Concept Mapping. Economic analyses will evaluate resource use and cost-effectiveness. Overall, the study lasts about 12 to 16 weeks of treatment plus 3 months follow-up for each participant.

Home Monitoring of Complete Blood Count Performed by Patients - a Pilot Study on the Implementation Process in South Baltic Countries.