Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Oncological Science, cilt.10, sa.3, ss.125-131, 2024 (Scopus)
Objective: This survey study was designed with the aim of assessing the use and opinions about patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) by healthcare workers in oncology clinics in Türkiye. Material and Methods: A 10-question survey was distributed to medical and radiation oncologists through digital platforms, receiving 334 complete responses. Results: Of the participants, 87.4% worked in medical oncology and 12.6% in radiation oncology clinics, respectively. 56% of participants reported less than 5 years of experience. Among participants, 11.7% of medical oncologists and 25% of radiation oncologists reported using PROMs in daily practice (p<0.05). In oncology clinics, it was revealed that PROMs were mainly used in international clinical studies (27.8%), while it was used in national academic studies with less frequency (21.8%). The use of PROMs appeared to increase with professional experience (p<0.05). Among participants, 53.5% stated they had not used PROMs for any purpose. The two most important obstacles to the use of PROMs were lack of time (62.5%) and lack of assisting personnel (35.2%). 25% of participants stated they did not know anything about PROMs. Conclusion: The rate of PROMs use in oncology clinics in Türkiye is 13%, which is much behind the rest of the world, reflecting possible similar patterns in other low-and middle-income regions. This pioneering study underscores the need for strategic initiatives to embed PROs in cancer care, advocating for reforms in health systems.