Putting Patients First: Making PROs Actionable for Better Care

Introduction

Traditionally, Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) have been viewed as a data collection exercise. But what if we flipped the script? This newsletter explores how PROs can become a powerful tool for fostering patient engagement and improving the overall healthcare experience.

Here's how we can move beyond data collection and make PROs truly actionable:

Regular Visits: A Two-Way Street for Feedback

Regular check-ins, both in-person and virtual, are crucial for gathering patient feedback through PROs. These visits allow healthcare providers to:

Understand a patient's specific needs and concerns.
Track progress towards treatment goals.
Identify any potential issues early on.

By creating a space for open communication, healthcare providers can use PRO data to tailor treatment plans and ensure patients feel heard and valued.

Pre-Ops Visit: Knowledge is Power

The time leading up to a medical procedure can be filled with anxiety. Pre-operative visits are an ideal opportunity to use PROs to:

Provide patients with clear, easy-to-understand information about their procedure
Address any specific questions or concerns they might have.
Gather baseline PRO data to measure post-operative progress.

Empowering patients with knowledge helps to reduce anxiety and fosters a sense of control over their healthcare journey.

Some data points that will prove the point

The Relationship Between Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Scores and Risk-Adjusted Mortality Rates. Annals of Family Medicine. [Link to study]

Setting Expectations: A Roadmap for Recovery

Realistic expectations are key to a successful recovery. By incorporating PRO data into pre-operative discussions, healthcare providers can:

Discuss potential side effects and how to manage them.
Outline a realistic timeline for recovery.
Identify potential barriers to recovery and develop strategies to overcome them.

Setting clear expectations reduces frustration and helps patients actively participate in their recovery process.

Navigating the System: Making the Journey Smoother

Hospitals and clinics can be complex and confusing to navigate. Here's how PRO data can help:

Identify areas where patients experience difficulty navigating the healthcare system.
Develop resources and tools (e.g., maps, online tutorials) to assist patients in finding services and information they need.
Streamline processes and procedures to reduce patient wait times and frustration.

By using PRO data to understand patient needs, healthcare providers can create a more user-friendly environment, improving overall patient satisfaction.

Some data points that will prove the point

Expectations of Pain Control and Postoperative Pain Intensity. Journal of Patient Safety. [Link to study ]

Moving Forward: A Patient-Centered Approach

PROs are a powerful tool, but their true value lies in making patient feedback actionable. By fostering open communication, empowering patients with knowledge, setting realistic expectations, and streamlining healthcare systems, we can create a patient-centered healthcare experience that delivers better outcomes for everyone.

Here's how BestOutcomes can help

Our platform facilitates easy and efficient collection of PRO data during regular visits.
We provide tools to generate clear and informative patient education materials.
BestOutcomes helps you track patient progress and identify areas for improvement.
We offer resources to streamline processes and improve patient navigation within your healthcare system.

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