Gynecologic survivorship tool: Development, implementation, and symptom outcomes Journal Article


Authors: Carter, J.; Abu-Rustum, N. R.; Saban, S.; Chen, L. Y.; Vickers, A. J.; Tin, A. L.; Billanti, G.; Connors, N. A.; Broach, V.; Brown, C. L.; Chi, D. S.; Gardner, G. J.; Goldfrank, D. J.; Jewell, E. L.; Leitao, M. M. Jr; Long Roche, K. C.; Mueller, J. J.; Sonoda, Y.; Zivanovic, O.
Article Title: Gynecologic survivorship tool: Development, implementation, and symptom outcomes
Abstract: PURPOSE: To describe the development and implementation of a new digital health clinical tool (Gynecologic Survivorship Tool [GST]) for symptom management of women surgically treated for gynecologic cancer; to assess its feasibility; and to conduct a retrospective review of the data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The GST was developed on the basis of a comprehensive review of the literature, multidisciplinary expert opinion, and feedback from women with a history of gynecologic cancer. It is composed of 17 questions addressing six main categories-gynecologic health (abnormal bleeding/pain), lymphedema, vaginal/vulvar dryness, sexual health, menopause (hot flushes/sleep difficulties), and bowel/urinary issues. An electronic version using the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Engage platform was piloted in two clinics for patients with endometrial or cervical cancer. Health information was generated into clinical summaries and identified concerns for actionable response. Associations of symptom and survey time point were assessed by longitudinal models using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: From January 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020, 3,357 GST assessments were assigned to 1,405 patients, with a 71% completion rate (90% within 5 minutes). Sixty-eight percent were performed at home via a patient portal, 32% at follow-ups using a clinic iPad. The most common symptoms were bowel problems, swelling/fluid, pain during examination, vaginal or vulvar dryness, and vaginal bleeding. Implementation challenges included improving patient compliance and ensuring that reports were reviewed by all clinical teams. We developed screening e-mails detailing patients whose assessments were due, planned training sessions for multidisciplinary teams, and incorporated feedback on methods for reviewing symptoms reports. CONCLUSION: The GST demonstrated feasibility, a high completion rate, and minimal time commitment. It was an effective electronic reporting mechanism for patients, enabling the medical team to develop specific strategies for alleviating bothersome symptoms during follow-up.
Journal Title: JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics
Volume: 6
ISSN: 2473-4276
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology  
Date Published: 2022-01-01
Start Page: e2100154
Language: English
DOI: 10.1200/cci.21.00154
PUBMED: 35239413
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC8920469
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 April 2022 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Ginger J Gardner
    270 Gardner
  2. Elizabeth Jewell
    131 Jewell
  3. Carol Brown
    167 Brown
  4. Dennis S Chi
    707 Chi
  5. Yukio Sonoda
    472 Sonoda
  6. Mario Leitao
    575 Leitao
  7. Oliver Zivanovic
    291 Zivanovic
  8. Andrew J Vickers
    880 Vickers
  9. Jeanne Carter
    159 Carter
  10. Ling Yun Chen
    23 Chen
  11. Jennifer Jean Mueller
    186 Mueller
  12. Amy Lam Ling Tin
    114 Tin
  13. Vance Andrew Broach
    115 Broach
  14. Sally Saban
    13 Saban