Benefits of PROMs for clinical practice
Support of clinical processes of therapy and care (1)
The use of PROMs can contribute to planning, conducting and optimising therapy and care and to a better flow of information in the multiprofessional team by
- recognising patients’ consultation and care needs
- recognising and treating burden (e.g. symptoms) in time and thereby prevent exacerbation
- increasing the efficacy of discussions with patients and other HCPs through focusing on relevant aspects (e.g. severe burden).
Potential benefits across the course of oncologic treatment:
PRO data can be used as a basis for planning and decision-making regarding treatment, e.g.:
To assess the current health status and identify individual risk factors relevant for planning and success of treatment
Example: PROM assessing the current physical/mental performance and symptoms to help clarify the possible impact of cancer therapy on quality of life
Studies1,2 show that PRO data are independent predictors for important clinical outcomes like:
- emergency visits
- tumour progression
- survival
To facilitate Shared Decision Making (SDM, definition)
Example: PROM including questions about cancer patients’ wishes and preferences regarding quality of life to include their perspective in the decision on cancer therapy
Studies show3 that PROMs can increase patients’ sense of control over their therapy and care.
PRO data can be used to monitor the therapy process, e.g.:
To identify relevant patient burden and initiate individual supportive measures
Example: PROMs showing a decline in physical performance due to chemotherapy-induced fatigue, confirmed by further exploration, leading to initiation of psycho-oncological support and physical therapy
Studies4,5 show that PROMs in oncologic settings may lead to the initiation of more supportive measures and reduce the frequency and severity of symptom burden
To evaluate the effects of therapy changes and supportive measures
Example: Daily PRO questions regarding nausea/vomiting to assess the effects of antiemetic management during chemotherapy
Studies6 show that PROMs can increase therapy adherence.
PRO data can be used as a basis for planning and decision-making regarding aftercare, e.g.:
To assess the current health status and identify relevant aspects to be considered after treatment
Example: PRO questions capturing the social situation could lead to the initiation of social support after hospital discharge
Studies4,5 show that PROMs are associated with increased satisfaction of cancer patients with their therapy and care. Furthermore, they have the potential to improve or sustain HRQOL throughout therapy.
PRO data can be used to monitor health status in periods with less clinical contact, e.g.:
To identify relevant problems and initiate adequate measures in time
Example: Weekly PRO data assessed electronically from home, allowing monitoring of physical performance after chemotherapy, discussion of trends during monthly routine visits, and early detection of a potential tumour recurrence
Studies6 show that PROMs have the potential to reduce the number of unplanned hospitalisations and increase the likelihood of survival.
1Badaoui, Kichenadasse, Rowland, Sorich, & Hopkins, 2021; 2Barbera et al., 2013; 3Snyder et al., 2013, 4Kotronoulas et al. 2014; 5Graupner et al., 2021; 6Basch et al., 2016; Chen, Ou, & Hollis, 2013; Efficace et al., 2021; ; Yang, Manhas, Howard, & Olson, 2018