Development of a digitalization concept for assessing patient-reported outcomes in the context of a University Cancer Center – a model for use in clinical routine

Systematic assessment of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is essential for identifying supportive care needs in oncology. In contrast to paper-based assessments, digital tools offer key advantages such as real-time data availability, improved data quality, and workflow integration. However, digitalization also entails conceptual and technical challenges, including integration into existing clinical systems, data privacy, IT-security, usability, and data quality. This short report outlines the development and implementation of a modular digitalization strategy for PRO assessment at the University Cancer Center Regensburg. Based on the ONCO-ROUTES screening tool, the digital concept integrates common standards and applies features such as skip logic, metadata tracking, and optional response settings to balance data quality with patient autonomy. PRO data are temporarily stored and retrieved automatically by the tumor documentation system at regular intervals. Patient representatives of the advisory board were involved in the conception from the initial development stages, including focus groups. Particular emphasis was placed on usability and the respective technical setup including necessary communication interfaces. PRO results can be directly integrated into oncological patient records and hospital databases in a structured format and considered in the context of treatment. The concept and technical solution proved feasible for clinical implementation, enabling structured, patient-centered PRO collection in routine oncology care. Its modular design allows for adaptation to other clinical settings and supports broader efforts to digitally integrate PROs into everyday clinical routine.