The goals of this longitudinal study are: (1) to assess the pain and other symptoms of patients undergoing autologous blood or marrow transplantations (bmt), and (2) to assess the usefulness of an interactive voice response (IVR) system for tracking the pain and other symptoms of bmt patients. Patients completed baseline symptom measures prior to hospitalization using the bmt module of the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) and other measures of physical, affective, and cognitive symptoms. The patients were taught the use of the IVR system, which combines computer technology with a touch-tone telephone. The system called the patients three times per week during the first 30 days post-transplant to assess their pain and other physical, cognitive, and affective symptoms. Each symptom was rated on a 0-10 scale. The patients also rated the degree of interference in their daily activities produced by their symptoms. The patients (n=30 to date) reported mild to moderate symptom distress that peaked several days following transplantation. Considerable variability in symptom intensity was evident among patients and across diagnoses. The symptom of greatest mean intensity was fatigue. The patients reported moderate interference in daily activities due to symptoms. The majority (77%) of the IVR calls were successfully completed. Patients undergoing autologous bmt experience multiple symptoms. The IVR system provides an innovative approach to tracking patient symptoms over time in home or work environments. The IVR system can be programmed to notify health care providers when symptom levels reach a predetermined threshold that mandates provider intervention.
Learning Objectives: (1) To understand the symptom experience of patients following bmt, and (2) to examine changes in symptom intensity during the first 30 days post-transplantation.
Keywords: Epidemiology, Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.