Implementation of RELIEF for Patients With Palliative Care Needs

"RELIEF is a virtual app designed for the remote self-reporting of symptoms in patients with palliative care needs. The patient/caregiver securely logs into the site and self-reports symptoms, distress, and pain using the validated clinical tools ESAS-r, Distress Thermometer (DT), and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) currently in daily use by healthcare providers across Canada.~This data is reported to the healthcare providers via RELIEF. Any increases in symptom burden, distress, or pain are flagged for clinical review as RELIEF alerts. Healthcare providers received alerts via secure email for any sudden changes in symptom status, or if the patient's symptoms, distress, or pain severity increases by set amounts over a period of time. Following review of the RELIEF alert by the healthcare providers, patients receive (1) earlier intervention; (2) mobilization of auxiliary services; and (3) recommendation for urgent clinic/home visit or emergency department visit."