NEW AUDIENCE FOR PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOMES (PRO) DATA- PATIENTS

Author(s)

Donna Kerney, PhD, Director, Program Analytics, Paul LeVine, MPH, VP, Analytic Services InfoMedics, Inc, Woburn, MA, USA

OBJECTIVES: While health care providers find PRO data valuable for managing patients' care, they also see a need for more patient involvement. This research was conducted to gather input from patients and providers about the value of health outcomes data for patients in the area of rheumatoid arthritis with or without psoriasis. METHODS: We conducted follow-up telephone interviews with a sample of 50 individuals (27 physicians, 11 nurses, 12 patients) who participated in one of two programs associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The programs were designed to provide patient feedback about experiences with a given prescription medication to physicians via one-page graphical reports. The semi-structured interviews included questions regarding providers' impressions of the feedback and its value for patients. Patients were asked about the program and the value of feedback for them. This qualitative analysis summarizes their responses. RESULTS: Of the 27 physicians interviewed, 56% (n=15) were dermatologists and 44% (n=12) rheumatologists. Eleven nurses from dermatology practices and 12 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were interviewed as well. Participants were in general agreement that the feedback was useful for monitoring patients' responses to treatment, when viewed in conjunction with clinical observations. Many providers stated that they could show the feedback to the patient, “in black and white”, and begin a discussion. Most patients report participating in the programs because they want their physicians to receive the feedback. Many patients also expressed an interest in receiving the feedback themselves to track their progress, independently and relative to other patients. A few physicians echoed this sentiment, stating that through the feedback patients could feel connected and that may increase involvement in their care. Providers however, emphasized that the information be provided in “patient-friendly” terms. CONCLUSION: Based on this research, a new audience for health outcomes data – delivered in simple, straightforward terms – is patients themselves.

Conference/Value in Health Info

2007-05, ISPOR 2007, Arlington, VA, USA

Value in Health, Vol. 10, No.3 (May/June 2007)

Code

PAR8

Topic

Organizational Practices, Patient-Centered Research

Topic Subcategory

Academic & Educational, Patient Behavior and Incentives

Disease

Musculoskeletal Disorders

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