OBJECTIVES: The primary aim is to describe the research output resulting from the implementation of routine PROMIS data collection in an academic orthopaedic surgery department.

METHODS: The implementation of PRO data collection in the outpatient setting allowed for the collection of PROMIS assessments in computer adaptive testing (CAT) modules prior to patient visits. This informed the clinical decision making of the orthopaedic faculty but also introduced the capability to use that data to research orthopaedic conditions across subspecialties. Once approved by the local Institutional Review Board (IRB), our faculty were able to utilize PROMIS scores in research studies in specialized areas of focus.

RESULTS: Presently, there are 5 peer reviewed journal articles in print resulting from our department’s PROMIS data collection. There are an additional 10 research manuscripts either in process or submitted pending review. At present, there are 31 IRB approved studies investigating PROMIS measures in a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Interest in PROMIS data collection and reporting also prompted the formation of a PROMIS study group within the department. This group’s purpose is to share best practices in PRO related research methodology and statistical analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of PROMIS data collection in the outpatient clinics at our institution increased the usage and reporting of research related findings in musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Aided by an enthusiastic department chairman and widespread institutional support, our clinical faculty’s interest in collecting and reporting PROMIS data has increased precipitously. The large demand for PRO data within research studies has also spurred further development of WUPRO to include greater research functionality. This functionality includes multiple methods of REDCap integration including direct data transfer to REDCap studies and integrating research forms alongside clinical data which will further increase our ability to leverage clinical PRO data collection to support research applications.