Reducing the prevalence of unmet needs for concrete services of patients with cancer: Evaluation of a computerized telephone outreach system Journal Article


Authors: Siegel, K.; Mesagno, F. P.; Karus, D. G.; Christ, G.
Article Title: Reducing the prevalence of unmet needs for concrete services of patients with cancer: Evaluation of a computerized telephone outreach system
Abstract: A two‐stage study was undertaken of outpatients with advanced cancer who were receiving chemotherapy. In Stage 1 of the study, their needs for practical services and the barriers to those needs being met were assessed. Based on these results, an intervention was designed to reduce the prevalence of patients' unmet needs. The intervention was an automated telephone needs assessment coupled with social worker follow‐up. The efficacy of this intervention was evaluated using an independent sample in Stage 2 in an experimental trial. Patients in the experimental group (n = 109), who received three automated surveys, reported fewer unmet needs in a subsequent comprehensive assessment than those in the control group (n = 130). The computerized telephone outreach system proved to be a cost‐effective and reliable method for the early identification of unmet patient needs soon after they emerge and efficient deployment of limited professional staff. Copyright © 1992 American Cancer Society
Keywords: adult; cancer chemotherapy; controlled study; aged; advanced cancer; cancer patient; comparative study; follow-up studies; neoplasms; quality of life; automation; cost effectiveness analysis; social support; program evaluation; cancer care facilities; outcome and process assessment (health care); new york city; outpatient; evaluation studies; telephone; health services needs and demand; human experiment; middle age; health services accessibility; social worker; outpatients; health care need; computer systems; human; male; female; priority journal; article; support, u.s. gov't, p.h.s.; social work department, hospital
Journal Title: Cancer
Volume: 69
Issue: 7
ISSN: 0008-543X
Publisher: Wiley Blackwell  
Date Published: 1992-04-01
Start Page: 1873
End Page: 1883
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(19920401)69:7<1873::Aid-cncr2820690733>3.0.Co;2-o
PUBMED: 1551071
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 30 July 2019 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Karolynn Siegel
    61 Siegel
  2. Daniel Karus
    12 Karus