Using Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes to Improve Care After Major Thoracic Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Thoracic surgery patients face high risks of severe complications after surgery, such as respiratory failure, empyema, wound issues, and even death. These complications may require hospital readmission and invasive treatments. Usual care may not fully capture symptoms of these complications, so this study evaluates the use of electronic patient-reported outcomes ePRO monitoring to improve detection and management of symptoms in thoracic surgery patients. The study is a single-site, non-randomized health services research project focused on implementing and assessing ePRO monitoring effectiveness. Participants will be enrolled in remote ePRO monitoring using web-based or telephone surveys to report symptoms and physical functioning over time. Automated alerts will be sent to providers via email or electronic medical records when survey responses indicate concerning symptoms. Providers will respond and manage alerts according to their clinical routine. The study aims to explore barriers to implementing this system before conducting larger real-world effectiveness studies. Throughout the study, participants will complete longitudinal symptom surveys after major thoracic surgery involving chest incisions and overnight admission. Researchers will assess the reach, adoption, and patient uptake of ePRO monitoring from months 4 through 6 after implementation and overall reach by the studys end. Secondary outcomes include monitoring complication rates, emergency visits, readmissions, mortality, and alert rates up to 90 days post-discharge. The study lasts until the end of 2026 and includes ongoing monitoring of patient-reported outcomes and provider responses.

Improving Thoracic Surgical Care Using Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes (ePROS)