RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Lived experiences of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) management: a qualitative phenomenological study in Southwest China
JF BMJ Open
JO BMJ Open
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP e084259
DO 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084259
VO 15
IS 1
A1 Chen, Ping
A1 Hou, Wanting
A1 Li, Changlin
A1 Liang, Qingyue
A1 Ma, Li
A1 Zhao, Xiumei
A1 Yi, Cheng
YR 2025
UL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/1/e084259.abstract
AB Objectives To explore the lived experiences of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer enrolled in a patient-reported outcomes (PROs) management programme and to preliminarily understand how PROs management influences various aspects of patient care and overall quality of life.Design A qualitative phenomenological study.Setting A national cancer care centre in Southwest China specialised in cancer care, with a comprehensive PROs management programme.Participants 15 participants diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer.Results Five key themes emerged from our interviews, including enhanced communication with healthcare providers, attributed to the structured nature of PROs; increased perceived sense of care, with patients feeling more valued and heard; PROs management facilitated better treatment decision-making, with patients feeling more involved and empowered; improved communication with family members, aiding in better understanding and support; and varied perceptions of the impact on quality of life, with some noting improvements in specific aspects like symptom management, while others were uncertain about the overall benefit.Conclusions PROs management plays a significant role in improving communication between patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and their healthcare providers, enhancing patients’ involvement in treatment decisions, and potentially improving family dynamics. However, the impact of PROs management on the overall quality of life of patients remains complex and individualised. The findings suggest that further research with a more diverse patient population is needed to fully understand the implications of PROs management in advanced cancer care.Data are available upon reasonable request. The original audio recordings are not to be shared due to institutional privacy protection policy. Data analysed in the current study are available on reasonable request to the corresponding author.