The Centre uses innovative technology to respond to chemotherapy patients' side effects
Posted 3rd June 2015
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is embracing technological advances in everyday care.
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is to become the first centre in the North West to trial the use of a mobile phone system developed by researchers at the University of Surrey (The Advanced Symptom Management System) which offers a more effective way to respond to chemotherapy patients’ side effects.
The Centre currently operates a 24 hour telephone triage service, to determine whether or not patients need urgent medical care. This trial is set to support the current service and help the centre’s triage teams to react even quicker to alleviate side effects.
Patients are to be offered a specifically programmed smartphone to take home, which will help them keep track of their symptoms, and get support when needed, by communicating directly with staff at the Centre through the mobile network.
With this equipment, patients will be asked to submit a digital questionnaire once a day and at any time that they feel unwell. Once submitted, health professionals at the Centre will then be alerted with a traffic light system
- If symptoms generate a red alert, the triage service will be in touch within 30 minutes and will call the patient to devise a suitable course of action
- If symptoms generate an amber alert then the patient will be offered self-care tips through the mobile device to alleviate symptoms. The team will also call them within four hours
- If symptoms generate a green alert the patient will be offered self-care tips to improve their comfort at home, but no further action is required.
Rachel Drapeur, research practitioner at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, commented: “The Centre is embracing technology in various guises to help support its patients. We were very keen to be testing this type of technology at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre as we continue to ensure we’re providing the best possible options for patients – their interests are always at the heart of any choices we make regarding treatment and care.
“It is hoped that the trial will encourage patients to regularly reflect on all of their symptoms, and for us to react to these as quickly possible. We often find that our patients are reluctant to use the triage phone service which is already in operation, because they don’t like to complain or to be a ‘bother’. The mobile device will encourage all patients to keep in touch regularly, report their symptoms and ensure they take advantage of the support which is available.
“Often, patients may exhibit a collection of milder symptoms, which, when combined, can trigger the amber or red alert. Encouraging patients to consider all their symptoms through the questionnaire can highlight problems that they might have otherwise have overlooked.”
Initially the trial at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre will include patients undergoing one cycle of chemotherapy for breast and colorectal cancer. In the next stage this will be rolled out to more patients who will be asked to use the device for three cycles of treatment.
The study, which is led by Professor Roma Maguire from the University of Surrey follows on from similar trials testing this type of technology at a number of other locations across the country.
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre was among the first centres in the UK to use multiple drug chemotherapy to treat cancers and chemotherapy is one of its fastest growing areas of expertise. The Centre operates a comprehensive network of world-class chemotherapy facilities, and delivers nearly 39,000 treatments to patients each year, from both its Wirral based site and a series of networked clinics across Merseyside and Cheshire.
