Editorial: Using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Gastroenterology: PROMISed Land or Road to Nowhere?

Incorporating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into clinical practice is advocated by some. However, the benefits remain uncertain. Almario et al. examined the impact of a gastrointestinal (GI) version of the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) on patient satisfaction, perception of doctors' interpersonal skills, and the likelihood of shared decision-making. Patients were allocated to complete GI PROMIS prior to their outpatient appointment, or usual management. Overall, uptake of GI PROMIS was poor and there was no difference in any outcome measure between those completing the questionnaire and those receiving usual management, suggesting PROs may be of limited utility in this setting.