Your Voice, Better Care

Symptom Monitoring at Northwestern Medicine

The Northwestern Medicine physicians and multidisciplinary care teams are committed to patient-centered treatment and an evidence-based approach to cancer care.

Research has shown that routine monitoring of patients’ symptoms and concerns using self-reported health questionnaires can improve symptom management, quality of life, satisfaction with the care experience, and in some cases, even survival. As a result, national cancer care organizations are endorsing symptom monitoring as a standard of care, and we are too. Self-reported questionnaires assess concerns only you can tell us (for example, your level of pain) and provide your care team with personalized information to connect you to the support and services you may need.

Help us help you

The information you provide can benefit you in several ways, including:

  • Early detection and management of your symptoms
  • Strengthen communication with your care team
  • Appointments focused on your highest priorities
  • Improved health and quality of life
  • Enhanced overall care experience

What should I expect?

  • Look for an e-mail asking you to complete your online health questionnaire (Symptoms and Needs Assessment) three days before your scheduled appointment.
  • Sign-in to the MyNM Patient Portal through the email link or log-in directly at the MyNM Patient Portal to complete your health questionnaire.
  • The questionnaire includes questions about your specific symptoms (such as fatigue or pain), emotional well-being (for example, if you feel said or anxious), and supportive care needs (such as nutrition or transportation).
  • The information you provide will be available to your doctors and members of your care team, for discussion before or during your appointment.
  • You will be asked to complete this questionnaire on a regular basis - but not more than once each month - to guide your care.
  • If you do not have access to a computer, you can complete the questionnaire when you arrive for your scheduled appointment.