High River

Researchers are evaluating whether a remote symptom monitoring and management program called RESPONd can improve patient outcomes and increase efficiency in cancer care. This program allows cancer patients to complete electronic symptom questionnaires from home between visits and receive personalized advice from a study nurse. The study also aims to understand how this electronic symptom tracking affects clinic operations and resource use across various cancer centers. Participants will report their symptoms regularly using electronic questionnaires, which will be reviewed by study nurses who provide timely support based on symptom complexity. The program includes team planning sessions before clinics to help identify patients who may benefit from virtual or nurse-led care. The study is conducted over 1.5 years in six different clinics, comparing this new approach with usual care. During the study, participants will complete quality of life and health assessments at the start, 3 months, and 6 months. Researchers will also track emergency visits, hospital admissions, and economic outcomes over about 18 months. Patients will provide feedback about their experience, and staff perspectives will be collected quarterly. The study combines quantitative data with interviews to better understand patient experiences and factors affecting implementation.