New Publication: Enhancing Patient-Centred Cancer Care Through ePROMs

We are pleased to announce the publication of the article “Exploring Perspectives of Patients with Cancer on Implementing Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures to Enhance Patient-Centered Care: Qualitative Study” in JMIR Cancer.

This paper represents the third and final publication from Terese Solvoll Skåre’s PhD project, Implementing electronic patient-reported outcome measures in cancer care. The project represents an important contribution to advancing patient-centered care in oncology, focusing on how electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) can improve symptom management and communication. She successfully defended her thesis 12 November 2025 in Ålesund, Norway.

The research was conducted in collaboration between several hospitals in Norway, including the European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC) at Oslo University Hospital and Ålesund Hospital, with Tonje Lundeby (PRC OUS/UiO) and Jo-Åsmund Lund (HMR/NTNU Ålesund) serving as Terese’s co-supervisors, and May Helen Midtbust (NTNU Ålesund) as main supervisor.

Using a two-stage qualitative design, the study explored cancer patients’ experiences with current clinical practice and their views on integrating ePROMs into routine care. Patients highlighted that consultations often prioritize biomedical issues, leaving broader symptom-related needs overlooked. Many felt responsible for redirecting conversations toward their symptoms, adding to their burden. ePROMs were seen as a promising tool to amplify patient voices and support a more holistic approach to care—addressing not only physical symptoms but the lived experience of cancer.

This work underscores the need for systematic, patient-centered strategies in cancer care and demonstrates how ePROMs can help bridge gaps in follow-up and communication, ultimately promoting more equitable and comprehensive care.

PRC congratulates Terese on completing her PhD and delivering outstanding work.