A Supported Self-Management Solution for Prostate Cancer Patients
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust alongside Prostate Cancer UK recognized that many men experience a let-down in guidance and follow-up care after prostate cancer treatment. The aim was to create an electronic platform for communication with caregivers as well as self-management of symptoms and general health conditions resulting in a holistic view for patient and providers.
Solution
MyMedicalRecord, developed for UHS by Get Real Health, and deployed in 2012 was chosen by Prostate Cancer UK as the platform for this initiative. The platform’s robust survey engine was enhanced for this project with targeted screenings for prostate patients in order to assist in outlining a care plan to meet those needs. Additionally, the solution provides a platform for the men to communicate directly with care teams, and allows tracking of PSA test results and other patient reported outcomes.
Benefits and Relevance
This project united many health organizations and facilities sharing the common goal of decreasing deaths due to prostate cancer. By enhancing the current MyMedicalRecord platform, Get Real Health delivered a pathway for patients to seamlessly register, train and utilize the end solution and remotely manage this chronic condition. The comprehensive portal not only acts as a health hub but provides information on relevant research and clinical trials, access to labs and data provided through participating servicers and targeted prostate health homepage.
Results and Usage
The program demonstrated tangible results in the first 12 months of use making it the standard for follow-up for all UHS post-treatment prostate patients. Most notably, over 2,500 patients are being managed remotely across 5 different care facilities with that number expected to grow. Additionally, over 90% of patients access the service to check their PSA results saving 15,000 outpatient appointments since project inception. Clinician workflow has been improved as well not only with the decrease in necessary appointments but also the increase in rate at which nurses can review files and follow-up with patients; tripling from 6 patients an hour to 20 patients an hour.