Situations of PRO-based communication

PROM-related conversations occur in different situations. Key situations and what to consider:

Introducing PROMs

• explain what PROMs are and what they are used for
• explain when and how the patient will complete PROMs

Contextualisation of PRO data

• reflect the results with the patient
• identify what further action to take together

Supporting motivation for completion of PROMs

• ask for questions and concerns about assessment
• emphasise the importance of longitudinal assessment of PRO data, e.g. for the monitoring of possible changes to symptom management

Discussing sensititve topics 

• use PROs to lower the barriers of talking about topics that might be shameful or hard to open up about
• include sensitive topics as part of the assessment of well-being

Intercultural communication

• pay attention to styles of conversation dependent on culture, e.g. indirect communication

The following slides provide more detail on each aspect.