How can PROs be assessed? (1)

Questionnaires used for the systematic, standardised assessment of PROs are called Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). Questionnaires assessing patients’ self-perceived experiences and opinions about the care received are called Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs).

The EORTC QLQ-C30 is one of the most widely used PROMs in oncology (see chapter 3 for an in-depth introduction). To illustrate typical PROM wording across PRO dimensions, selected EORTC QLQ-C30 items are shown below:

Functionality Symptoms HRQOL

Questions assessing patients' self-perceived functional abilities, e.g. in their daily life.

Function	Selected questions
Physical functioning	Do you have any trouble taking a walk?
Emotional functioning	Did you feel depressed?
Cognitive functioning	Have you had difficulty in concentrating on things?
Social functioning	Has your physical condition or medical treatment interfered with your social activities?
Role functioning	Were you limited in pursuing your hobbies or other leisure time activities?

Questions assessing patients' self-perceived symptom burden.

Symptom	Selected questions
Pain	Did pain interfere with your daily activities?
Dyspnoea	Were you short of breath?
Fatigue	Have you felt weak?
Diarrhea	Have you had diarrhea?
Insomnia	Have you had trouble sleeping?

Questions assessing patients' self-perceived impact of disease and its treatment on daily life and wellbeing.

	Selected questions
	How would you rate your overall health during the past week?
	How would you rate your overall quality of life during the past week?

Weldring & Smith, 2013