AML-075: Converting In-Person Research Procedures to a Virtual Platform During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients

CONTEXT: In-person research due to the COVID-19 pandemic for non-therapeutic research was suspended. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of remote consenting and quality of life data collection. DESIGN: The study design was a longitudinal, observational design via remote Zoom platform. The study began in May 2021. SETTING: The setting was a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with newly diagnosed AML, 60 years of age and older, and were within one week of starting treatment were identified. The patients needed computer access and agreed to virtual platform and telephone/email administration of quality of life questionnaires. The recruitment goal is 200 patients over 2 years. INTERVENTIONS: Changes in consenting process and questionnaire administration were approved by the IRB. Phases of in-person contact were outlined. In Phase 1, research assistants did not have in-person contact. Discussion of our quality of life study was by the principal investigator in-person or by research assistant via Zoom. In Phase 2, research assistants were permitted 15-minute patient contact. Four follow-up questionnaire administration times were scheduled via phone. In Phase 3, study personnel transitioned to in-person consenting and questionnaire administration for up to 30 minutes. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The main outcomes measure was the feasibility of virtual consenting and administration of quality of life questionnaires in older patients diagnosed with AML. RESULTS: Overall enrollment in the study included older AML patients (62), with the majority being White, non-Hispanic (90%) and an age range of 62–86 years. This demonstrated the ability of older patients to adapt to remote methods of consenting and questionnaire administration. In total, 232 assessments were completed in 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Ongoing successful accrual and completion of questionnaires at designated time points demonstrated the success of the virtual format. Patients accepted the limitations of physical contact imposed by the pandemic and were grateful for the personal interaction, even remotely. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FUNDING: NINR Grant # 1K23NR018488-01A