MySunrise launches digital pre-assessment tool in Cornwall

MySunrise have developed a new digital pre-assessment tool which has been launched at Royal Cornwall Hospital and is transforming the way patients receive their systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) pre-assessments – improving communication, patient experience, and clinical efficiency.

Developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project aimed to address the challenges of telephone-only consultations, which often missed non-verbal communication and left patients unable to visit the treatment unit. By integrating the MySunrise app with video consultation technology, the team at Royal Cornwall Hospital created a more accessible and personal experience for patients.

The new approach allows patients to access pre-assessment information, watch treatment-related videos, and attend video consultations from home – anytime and anywhere. Friends and family can also be included in the process, improving understanding and support.

The pilot programme focused initially on patients receiving immunotherapy. Post-project surveys showed that:

• 74% of  patients preferred this digital approach to their SACT pre-assessment.
• 100% of patients reported feeling well prepared for their treatment.
• Nurses experienced improved communication and a renewed connection with their patients.
• The time required for each pre-assessment was reduced by two hours per clinic, freeing up nursing staff to support treatment delivery in the outpatient unit.

Claire Tapping, Clinical Practice Educator at Royal Cornwall Hospital, said:
“This project has standardised the quality of information patients receive and allowed them to revisit it as needed throughout their treatment. We are excited to use this as a foundation for delivering all SACT pre-assessments in the future.”

For more information about MySunrise and its digital cancer care tools, visit www.mysunrise.co.uk.

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