A study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology investigated whether using patient-reported outcomes in clinical care led to improved patient outcomes.
The researchers identified 371 gastroenterology patients, 217 of whom completed GI symptom questionnaires one week before their visit. These questionnaires were part of the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, which was developed by the National Institutes of Health.
These patient-reported outcomes were available for review by healthcare providers before and during the patient visit. The remaining 154 patients who did not complete GI symptom questionnaires received usual patient care.
Here's what you need to know:
1. Patient satisfaction, determined by questionnaire, was similar between the two groups.
2. Patients had similar assessments of provider interpersonal skills and shared decision-making, both of which were also determined by questionnaire, regardless of care group.
3. The researchers concluded that "future studies examining how to optimize PROs in clinical practice are encouraged before widespread adoption."