About this course
1. Basic information on PROMs
2. Benefits of PROMs for clinical practice
3. Introduction to PROMs developed by the EORTC
4. Selection of PROMs for clinical practice
5. Modes of PRO assessment for clinical application
6. Implementation of PRO assessment in clinical practice
7. Interpretation of Patient-Reported Outcome data
8. PRO-based clinical communication
9. PRO-based initiation of clinical interventions
10. Patient-Reported Outcome-based self-management of patients
From Bench to Bedside: Clinical practice examples

7. Interpretation of Patient-Reported Outcome data

Invitation to reflect

How would you interpret the PRO data below?
What would you pay attention to?
How would you start the conversation?
What would you explore further?

What did others answer to these questions?

How would you interpret these PRO results?

The patient has pain that needs to be explored further, mainly because it has risen sharply from a low level since the last assessment/it is the first time it has been so severe. Diarrhoea is also a problem that needs to be discussed.

What would you pay attention to?

Pain, diarrhea

How would you start the conversation?

With reference to your answers to the quality of life questionnaire, I would like to talk to you specifically about the pain and diarrhoea you have been experiencing over the last week. Let's start with the pain, can you tell me more about that?

Where would you explore further?

Fatigue, sleep disturbances, constipation

How would you interpret these PRO results?

Pain is above thresholds; I would look in the health record to see if there is a clinical reason for that (maybe she just had surgery?). Diarrhoea is also above thresholds.

What would you pay attention to?

Pain, Diarrhoea (and constipation in relation to diarrhoea); also fatigue and sleep disturbances to prevent worsening

How would you start the conversation?

Thank you for completing the questionnaires I gave you. These help my insight into your health. Right now, the questionnaires showed me you have been experiencing pain and diarrhoea, and indicate some fatigue and trouble with sleeping. Do you agree that these are the issues we should discuss together today?

Where would you explore further?

Fatigue and sleep disturbances to prevent worsening

How would you interpret these PRO results?

Pain is above thresholds and has increased significantly between 15/05 and 28/05 -> anamnesis, needs to be addressed.

What would you pay attention to?

Pain, Diarrhea

How would you start the conversation?

I have reviewed your answers to the Quality of Life Questionnaire. I would like to talk to you about your pain, bowel movements, and sleep quality, if that is okay with you.

Where would you explore further?

Fatigue and sleep disturbances (depends, however, on the previous answers)

← Case Example 2: Interpretation of PRO results of patient Louis Summary →