Integration and reporting of PG-SGA, PSS-HN, and FOIS assessments in ARIA for head and neck cancer patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Head & Neck cancer patients undergoing Radiation Therapy are referred on to Speech Pathologists and Dieticians for the assessment and ongoig management of their nutritional status, speech and swallow function during treatment. Outcome measures are collected to monitor patient progress and assess the impact of the service on clinical care. Dieticians use the Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) form comprising a number of worksheets and calculations to provide a global malnutrition assessment category and total PG-SGA score. Speech pathologists use the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer patients (PSS-HN) & Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) forms to measure a variety of speech and swallow outcomes. ARIA is an Information System used at the Epworth for Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology. Data entered into questionnaires in AIRA is stored in a Structured Query Language (SQL) database. SWL-compatible reporting tools can be used to create reports which extract and process the results of questionnaires for customisable display. AIM: Conversation of PG-SGA, PSS-HN, and FOIS forms to electronic questionnaires in ARIA for ease of entry, centralised records and data collection. METHOD: Questionnaire templates in ARIA were created to transpose the 3 structured forms (PG-SGA, PSS-HN, and FOIS) into the system. Questionnaires consist of defined multiple-option tick-lists, single-option pick-lists, and free-text entries to preserve the entry style of the forms and are formatted so that entries can be easily made through ARIA. RESULTS: Questionnaires can be created at any time for any patient selected, strogin entries in the database. Review of entered questionnaires can be performed in ARIA. Custom made reports can be used to review patient progression, trends, summaries and over date ranges and all data items. CONCLUSION: Questionnaires are simple to use, improved aces to information through custom-created report software, supporting prospective collection of patient outcome data.