Facilitators and Barriers to Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome (ePRO) Adoption in Oncology Clinical Trials: A Qualitative Study of Clinical Research Professionals (CRPs)

Abstract

Background Interest in using patients’ own mobile devices for electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) collection in multi-site oncology clinical trials is growing. Clinical Research Professionals (CRPs) play a key role in supporting patients’ use of ePRO systems, yet their perspectives remain underexplored. Objective To explore the facilitators and barriers to the adoption of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)-based ePRO systems in oncology clinical trials. Methods Twenty-three CRPs employed in institutes affiliated with National Clinical Trials Network participated in 1:1 semi-structured interviews to explore CRP perceptions of BYOD ePRO systems. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sample characteristics and attitudes toward technology. Interview data were analyzed using content analysis. Results A total of 23 CRPs participated in the study. Participants were predominantly female and White, with a mean age of 40 years and an average of 7.6 years of work experience across academic and community-based sites. Interview data revealed two categories: CRP-related, which mainly addressed CRP mixed perspectives of workload change; and non-CRP-related, which addressed CRP observations of patients’ poor technology competencies related to digital divide, and challenges regarding non-user-friendly system interfaces. Conclusions CRP-perceived facilitators/barriers identified in this study may influence whether CRPs and clinical trial participants will embrace ePRO systems. Additional research is needed to explore ways to improve system usability for all stakeholders.