The PAH partnered with digital health company The Clinician for the recent project, overseen by the Australian Digital Health Agency. It gave clinicians greater insight into patient experiences, from the shock of a cancer diagnosis to the burden of paperwork and the stress of treatment.

As part of the project, cancer patients used their smartphones to complete a specially-designed questionnaire, allowing their data to fine-tune the information already held on hospital and clinician files as well as the patient’s My Health Record. This, in turn, could be used to improve the experience – not just for the patient but other patients like them.

“As clinicians, we can be focused on treating the symptoms that our patients are facing and this project has reinforced the importance for us of also focusing on our patients’ experiences when being cared for, which in turn can lead to better quality care, improved health outcomes and more accessible and effective health services,” said PAH acting executive director of nursing, Leanne Stone.

“There is compelling evidence to show that by incorporating this patient input into routine practice, coupled with timely response to this feedback, the quality and safety of care delivered are improved.”