This machine learning algorithm runs nightly and is linked to a smart texting application that goes out to patients every morning for 7 days following chemotherapy, asking about symptoms like diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, and pain. Patients reporting severe or worsening symptoms have the smart text escalated to the oncology clinic where they received chemotherapy. Initial analysis broken down by responders (those that opted in and answered the daily text messages) and non-responders (opted out or opted in but did not answer the texts) found that ED visits were 5.7% for responders compared to 6.7% for non-responders. Across the health system, about 30 responders are added daily to the program.
2024 ACCC Innovator Award winner Mercy Health used predictive algorithms and smart texting to significantly reduce inpatient admissions and emergency department visits for patients with cancer. By proactively engaging high-risk patients through digital outreach, Mercy ensures timely symptom management and improves the overall quality of life for those undergoing chemotherapy, creating new benchmarks in patient-centered health care.
Mercy is transforming cancer care through technology that is both innovative and patient-centric, and its 4-year funding award from PCORI positions this program to reach a broader patient population than ever before.