A Better Way of Collecting Patient-Reported Outcomes
by Bronwyn Spira Managed Healthcare Executive 12/13/2021
Many healthcare organizations find themselves in arrangements with technology vendors in which patient-reported outcomes measures are handled as an add-on to an existing electronic health records. The better way makes it easier and more convenient for patients to supply information and incentivizes engagement.
As the healthcare industry seeks ways to improve care quality, collecting patient-reported outcomes (PROs) data has become an increasing point of emphasis for healthcare organizations. However, many organizations lack a means of seamlessly and accurately collecting this critical patient information.
PROs are usually gathered from a variety of sources, such as patient surveys that request information on health status, quality of life, and functional capabilities. By contrast, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are a standardized set of forms that are typically used across registries for a specific procedure. For example, a common PROM used to assess patients who have undergone a hip replacement is the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score.
For payers, measuring previously non-quantifiable outcomes data — including symptoms, activities, functional status, and mental health — helps to assess provider performance. For providers, PROs are important because health systems must submit validated patient data to demonstrate compliance with certain quality standards and earn recognition by accrediting bodies and Centers of Excellence programs.
Already, the industry is moving toward collecting data on patient outcomes. For example, 24% of clinical data registries have already incorporated PROs into their datasets, according to the Council of Medical Specialty Societies. Additionally, many health plans require providers to report PROs to participate in value-based care arrangements, and accountable care organizations use patient outcomes measures to incentivize providers to maintain quality standards.
The CMS has set the goal that by 2030, all Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries will obtain care under delivery models that hold participating organizations accountable for cost and quality measures. Each service-delivery model will include PROMs as part of its performance assessment, according to CMS.
