Putting Patients First: Making PROs Actionable for Better Care

Putting Patients First
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]
Unlocking Better Care
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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