Towards enhancing the representativeness of patient-reported outcomes collection at community cancer centers.

Abstract

Objectives: While patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can enhance cancer care, their implementation in community-based settings remains underexplored. This study compared patient characteristics and response rates between community and academic hospitals within the Mass General Brigham (MGB) health system, a large integrated health network with a standardized PROM program.

Methods: We analyzed data from 31,164 adult cancer patients seen at three community and two academic radiation oncology clinics within MGB from 2020 to 2024. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global-10 health questionnaire was consistently administered to all patients seen at these clinics. Patient characteristics and response rates were compared by site of care.

Results: Community sites had higher proportions of older adults, females, English speakers, and patients with a high school or less education. Over time, PROM collection improved significantly overall and across subgroups at both community and academic sites. Response rates were relatively lower at community sites than at academic sites, with disparities most evident among older adults, males, and those with federal insurance.

Conclusion: Although PROM collection improved over time across MGB-affiliated radiation oncology clinics, older male patients and those with federal insurance remain key targets for further efforts to enhance PROM representativeness between community and academic settings.