The healthcare sector is shifting towards patient-centered approaches. A key part of this trend is the collection of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). These data help understand patients’ views on their health status, treatment effectiveness, and overall quality of life. Still, only 20% of hospitals currently use PROMs. However, research shows that 73% of healthcare organizations plan to adopt these measures in the next two to three years, indicating a growing trend.
PROMs are standardized questionnaires that let patients report their health status directly. They cover various aspects, such as pain levels, depression, fatigue, and daily activities. By including these measures in clinical practice, healthcare providers can assess treatment effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and engage patients in their health journeys.
PROMs are important not just for patient satisfaction, but they also provide information that aids clinical decisions and helps align healthcare systems with patient needs. They are especially relevant in surgery contexts, such as total hip and knee arthroplasties, where the success of procedures can significantly impact patients’ quality of life.
In November 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new requirements for collecting PROMs for hip and knee surgeries in outpatient settings. This regulation seeks to improve data collection related to patient outcomes and care coordination. To comply, hospital outpatient departments must gather data from at least 50% of eligible patients, while ambulatory surgery centers must collect data from at least 45% of their patients.
Given the scope and complexity of gathering PROMs, using technology is vital. Digital tools like electronic health record (EHR) systems, patient portals, and mobile apps can aid data collection, minimizing disruptions to clinical workflows.
Research indicates that digital methods, especially text messaging, often result in high response rates. Some organizations report over 90% compliance when using SMS to collect PROM data. The convenience of digital options encourages patient participation, leading to more reliable data for clinical decisions.
Engaging patients is crucial for successful PROM collection. A user-friendly design and accessible communication methods can significantly improve participation rates. Many patients prefer to receive updates and questionnaires via text, streamlining communication between healthcare providers and patients.
Organizations may consider a multi-channel approach, allowing patients to choose their preferred method of providing feedback, such as email, SMS, or traditional paper forms. This flexibility can make the collection process easier for patients and increase participation likelihood.
As healthcare providers strive to meet CMS reporting requirements, integrating PROMs into existing health information systems is crucial. Establishing governance around PROM strategies can ensure effective collaboration among stakeholders, streamline decision-making, and allocate resources for data collection and analysis.
Using EHRs to include PROMs in clinical workflows can improve the collection process. For example, setting up automatic prompts for clinicians to collect PROMs before and after surgery can help ensure that data collection meets CMS mandates while keeping patients engaged.
Choosing the right PROMs before implementation is vital to gather meaningful information. Different patient populations may need different measures based on their unique health situations. For instance, the Hip Dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score is specifically for hip patients, while knee patients may use the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score.
Aligning selected PROMs with clinical goals can improve the relevance and accuracy of collected data. Effective implementation strategies emphasize that careful selection can boost data quality, enhance treatment decisions, and improve patient care.
Advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) can assist healthcare organizations in automating various aspects of PROM collection. Streamlining workflows through AI can allow clinical staff to focus more on patient care instead of administrative tasks. AI solutions can help automate prompt messaging for questionnaires, follow up with non-responding patients, and analyze incoming data for trends requiring clinical attention.
As PROM integration grows, further research is needed to refine the processes. Studies on enhancing patient engagement strategies, improving technology infrastructure, and streamlining operational systems for PROM collection are crucial for ongoing progress.
Healthcare organizations should also tackle technical challenges related to data collection and management. With the rise of digital methods, careful consideration of system compatibility and patient privacy will be essential.
As healthcare models evolve, organizations will increasingly need to utilize data for outcome assessments, particularly in value-based care settings. Including PROMs in these frameworks will enhance patient care by enabling providers to focus on significant outcomes, leading to a more effective healthcare delivery system.
The move towards patient-centered care in the United States is clear as healthcare organizations recognize PROMs as essential elements of clinical practice. By utilizing technology, including EHR systems, patient portals, and AI solutions, providers can simplify PROM collection, engage patients more effectively, and comply with regulatory requirements.
As the healthcare environment continues to develop, focusing on effective PROM strategies will align clinical practices with patient needs, improving health outcomes and satisfaction. As more hospitals and primary care settings understand the importance of integrating PROMs into their service models, the path towards enhanced patient care will become more evident and achievable.
Simbo is making doctors' and patients' lives better. Connect now to know more.
Schedule Demo Now© Since 2019, Simbo AI.
