Patient-reported outcomes in gastroenterology: clinical and research applications

Abstract

Patient-generated reports, also known as Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs), capture the patients' illness experience in a structured format and may help bridge the gap between patients and providers. PROs measure any aspect of patient-reported health (e.g., physical, emotional or social symptoms) and can help to direct care and improve clinical outcomes. When clinicians systematically collect patient-reported data in the right place at the right time, PRO measurement can effectively aid in detection and management of conditions, improve satisfaction with care and enhance the patient-provider relationship. This review article summarizes the latest approaches to PRO measuring for clinical trials and clinical practice, with a focus on use of PROs in gastroenterology.

Keywords: Gastroenterology; Patient-reported outcomes; Quality of life.

Figure 1

Conceptual model of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms underlying GI PROMIS item bank development. PROMIS, Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System.

Figure 2

Sample "heat map" patient report of gastrointestinal Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (GI PROMIS) scores. Patients complete PROMIS items at home or in the waiting room using a tablet device, and the results are converted into a report available in the electronic health record. In this case, patients are compared to the general U.S. population benchmarks to add interpretability to the scores, similar to a laboratory test.