The PRO-CAR-T study is led by the Theme 3 of the BTRU in Precision Cellular Therapeutics. The study is developing a new digital platform for CAR-T patients to report their symptoms and quality of life - using an app on their mobile devices, such as phones or tablets.
Similar systems already exist for standard cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, and have demonstrated benefits such as better quality of life and reduced hospital admissions. However, no such system is available in the NHS for patients who have CAR T-cell therapy.
BTRU researchers at the University of Birmingham have been working with Aparito Limited to build the PRO-CAR-T digital platform. A prototype is currently being tested with patients and clinical staff. However, nine Patient and Public Partners had the first preview in November. Members of the group had the chance to use the app and provide early feedback to Dr Sarah Hughes and Dr Foram Khatsuria from the University of Birmingham, supported by Dr Karen Shaw, Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Manager. Despite needing to overcome some (inevitable) technical glitches, it was a really productive session. The group offered detailed and constructive feedback on the system, and helped shape plans for more formal testing.
Dr Sarah Hughes, who leads the PRO-CAR-T Study said:
“Usability testing ensures health apps are accessible and effective by uncovering obstacles and improving user experience. A well-designed digital application can bridge the gap between technology and patient care, making healthcare more personalised and efficient. We are grateful to our PPIE members, patients, and clinical colleagues for their valuable input, which has helped ensure the PRO-CAR-T System provides patients with an intuitive and user-friendly way to share updates on their health, including symptoms and side effects, following CAR T-cell therapy.”
Feedback from our Patient and Public Partners suggests it was a valuable session for them too:
“An interesting and quite different sort of session!”
“I thought it was a very useful meeting.”
“...I thought it's quite easy to do. Because I've done loads of different surveys in the past, so yes there are some things and bits and pieces, but I just want to say I found it relatively easy to navigate and found the wording fairly simple."
The PRO-CAR-T digital platform will be launched in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, where it will undergo feasibility testing later this year. This will examine if it is possible and practical to use the PRO-CAR-T system in routine clinical care.