Journal Article DKFZ-2026-00234

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png
PROs as a compass in cross-sector oncology—closing the loop from primary care to Molecular Tumor Boards and back. [PROs als Kompass der intersektoralen onkologischen Versorgung – von der Praxis in das MTB und zurück.]

 ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;

2026
Springer Medizin New York

Die Onkologie nn, nn () [10.1007/s00761-025-01899-7]
 GO

Abstract: Background: Seamless, cross-sector information flow is prerequisite for personalized oncology, spanning the full patient journey from primary care and specialist practices to molecular tumor boards (MTBs) and back into follow-up care. However, patient-centered information between clinical encounters is often insufficiently captured and integrated into routine decision-making. Objective: This paper aims to outline a pragmatic concept for integrating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into cross-sector oncology workflows and to describe core process elements required for their routine use in clinical decision-making. Methods: We describe how PROs can be integrated via the German electronic patient record (ePA) and interoperable interfaces across primary care, specialist practices, oncology centers, and MTBs. As an operational framework, we propose a minimal four-step “action loop” consisting of (i) capture, (ii) contextualization, (iii) decision, and (iv) feedback, enabling structured use of PRO data within clinical workflows. Results: The proposed action loop addresses key implementation barriers by defining responsibilities, trigger points, and feedback mechanisms along the care pathway. This enables systematic use of PROs for longitudinal monitoring of symptom burden, functional status, and quality of life, thereby supporting continuously learning care that is patient centered. Conclusion: PROs can serve as a patient-centered compass along the oncology care pathway. The ePA has the potential to function as its cross-sector backbone—provided that capture and use of PROs is implemented in a standardized, interoperable, and workflow-integrated manner.

Classification:

Note: #NCTZFB9# / epub

Contributing Institute(s):
  1. Koordinierungsstelle NCT Dresden (DD04)
Research Program(s):
  1. 899 - ohne Topic (POF4-899) (POF4-899)

Appears in the scientific report 2026
Database coverage:
Medline ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; DEAL Springer ; DEAL Springer ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection
Click to display QR Code for this record

The record appears in these collections:
Document types > Articles > Journal Article
Public records
Publications database

 Record created 2026-01-29, last modified 2026-01-29



Rate this document:

Rate this document:
1
2
3
 
(Not yet reviewed)