Abstract
Background to the study:
The use of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) to measure effectiveness of care, and supporting patient management is being advocated increasingly. PROMs data are often collected using hard copy questionnaires. New technology enables electronic PROM data collection.
Purpose of the study:
To identify patient and practitioner perceived opportunities and challenges to implementing electronic PROM data capture as part of the process for developing a PROM phone and online app.
Methods:
Interviews were undertaken with patients (N=18), and clinicians (N=46). Patients and clinicians were recruited through practice advertisement, in printed healthcare media, social media, and professional networks. Semi-structured interviews were used. Data were analysed using the Framework approach. Themes, sub-themes, and models were developed from the analysed data.
Results:
Patient themes included relevance of data collection, data protection, and confidentiality. Practitioner themes included issues around patient engagement, and relevance to clinical practice. Overall patients were more enthusiastic than clinicians about using PROMs in practice. They welcomed the opportunity to provide feedback, and were prepared to use technology to achieve this. In contrast, clinicians reported concerns that patients would not want to complete PROMs, or may be unable to use electronic devices to achieve this. Other clinicians noted that this was a professional demand and part of reflective practice.
Conclusion:
The patients' enthusiasm to contribute data and the clinicians' paternalistic views were contrasting and suggests a greater need for patient centred communication.
