Computerized telephone assessment of the 'concrete' needs of chemotherapy outpatients: A feasibility study Journal Article


Authors: Siegel, K.; Mesagno, F. P.; Chen, J. Y.; Klein, L.; Bowles, M. E.; McKenna, M.; Peyser, S.; Christ, G.
Article Title: Computerized telephone assessment of the 'concrete' needs of chemotherapy outpatients: A feasibility study
Abstract: The feasibility of using a computer-automated telephone outreach system to routinely assess the needs of chemotherapy outpatients was evaluated. The automated intervention was designed as a cost-efficient strategy for assessing patients' needs on a periodic basis so that emerging needs could be identified in a timely way. Ninety-seven chemotherapy outpatients were surveyed at least once over the telephone by a computer in a high-quality, digitally stored voice asking 12 questions regarding the patients' 'concrete' needs. Early results of this larger ongoing study, in which patients are scheduled to be called every 4 to 6 weeks for approximately four months, indicated that computer-automated surveys had broad-based acceptance among our outpatients and that patients were able to comply accurately with the survey's instructions. Furthermore, the speech recognition system was found to be reliable, and patients' response patterns to the automated surveys valid. Nonparticipation in this study (28.0%) was not substantially higher than in our previous research within this patient population and neither nonparticipation nor attrition appeared significantly attributable to the automation itself. This method offers the potential for cost-efficient, universal, and ongoing assessment of patient needs, facilitating timely intervention, and efficient use of professional staff.
Keywords: chemotherapy; methodology; computer; telephone; computer analysis; human; priority journal
Journal Title: Journal of Clinical Oncology
Volume: 6
Issue: 11
ISSN: 0732-183X
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology  
Date Published: 1988-11-01
Start Page: 1760
End Page: 1767
Language: English
DOI: 10.1200/jco.1988.6.11.1760
PUBMED: 3183706
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Karolynn Siegel
    61 Siegel
  2. Grace H. Christ
    16 Christ