Patient-reported experience with patient-reported outcome measures in adult patients seen in rheumatology clinics.

OBJECTIVES

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly utilized in the evaluation of patients with rheumatic diseases. The aim of our study was to assess the patient experience with completing PROMs within rheumatology clinics, and identify patient characteristics associated with a more positive experience.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of adult patients seen in rheumatology clinics between 1/1/2017 and 6/30/2017. Patients were included in the study if they completed at least one patient-reported experience question following completion of PROMs. Patient characteristics associated with more positive experiences were identified through multivariable proportional odds models.

RESULTS

12,597 adult patients (mean age 59 ± 15; 76% female; 84% white) completed PROMs, as well as questions on their experience completing PROMs. Patients agreed/strongly agreed that PROM questions were easy to understand (97%), useful (84%), helped their physician understand their health (78%), improved communication with their provider (78%) and improved control over their own care (70%). Predictors of better experience with PROMs included being younger, non-white, having lower income, and being a new patient. Worse self-reported health also predicted better experience with PROMs.

CONCLUSION

Our study found a positive patient experience with PROMs, which is a crucial component of their successful implementation and utilization. Findings from this study suggest PROMs may be particularly beneficial in new patients, minorities, those with lower income, and worse self-reported quality of life. Collecting PROMs could provide opportunities to improve patient-provider communication and enhance control over care for rheumatology patients who could most benefit.