A prospective evaluation of the attitudes of patients, physicians and nurses using a computer-assisted quality of life instrument (LCSS-QL) in a multicenter clinical trial in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

6123 Background: The LCSS has been computerized (LCSS-QL) for inexpensive hand-held devices (pocket-pc) to enhance feasibility, provide immediate results, and automatically record data. Correlation coefficient between paper form and electronic version is excellent (r=0.93). This analysis determines the acceptability and value of LCSS-QL assessed by patients and health care professionals. METHODS NSCLC patients utilized LCSS-QL in a clinical trial and also completed a form evaluating their experiences after their first and third treatment cycles. All received docetaxel and platinum. Eleven physicians and nurses administered LCSS-QL and completed an evaluation form. The evaluation included: time required, satisfaction with the process, value of assessment, impact on communication, resource utilization. RESULTS The evaluation form was completed by 126 patients (cycle 1) and 94 (75%) completing cycle 3. Baseline characteristics: Stage III/IV 29/71%; median KPS 80%; 56% male; median age 69 yrs. Results are in the table : All physicians considered their time per patient was not lengthened and 80% felt that QL evaluation could save time. 67% of nurses felt the instrument could save time, while 83% felt that their time with patients was lengthened. Utilization: 67% of professionals reported QL evaluation would identify earlier patients not benefiting from chemo; 91% were more aware of pain issues. CONCLUSIONS Patients and health-care professionals found using a validated QL instrument in a computerized form via a hand-held device was easy, added value and satisfaction while enhancing communication and awareness of PRO issues. This electronic format added no physician time. These results indicate that this QL evaluation method should be used more frequently in clinical trials and patient management. Supported in part by a grant from Sanofi-Aventis Canada, Laval, QC. [Table: see text] [Table: see text].