How Often Should PROMs and PREMs Data Be Collected?

In the ever-evolving realm of human-centred healthcare, data captured via patient-reported outcomes and experience measures (known as PROMs and PREMs) plays a pivotal role in shaping personalised and effective treatments. PROMs and PREMs provide valuable insights into a patient's overall wellbeing, helping healthcare providers tailor interventions and support individual needs. However, as you begin your PROMs and PREMs journey, a pertinent question arises: How often should this data be collected to ensure accuracy and relevance while not overwhelming patients?

The significance of patient-reported data

Before delving into the frequency of patient-reported data collection, it's essential to understand the importance of this information. Patient-reported measures offer a unique window into patients' experiences, capturing aspects of their health that might not be evident through clinical examinations alone. These insights are invaluable, enabling healthcare providers to understand the impact of treatments, the progression of diseases and the overall quality of life of their patients.

Balancing regularity and patient burden

Determining the optimal frequency for patient-reported data collection is a delicate balance. Too frequent collection might burden patients, leading to fatigue or incomplete responses. On the other hand, infrequent data collection might miss essential fluctuations in a patient's condition, potentially impacting the accuracy of interventions. Striking the right balance is crucial to ensure that the data collected is meaningful and manageable for patients. We find in our work with clients that the more a patient is engaged upfront about the importance of the PROM and/or PREM information being collected - specifically how it will be used to help monitor, tailor and improve their care and experiences - the lesser they will view the completion of the surveys as a 'burden'. 

Tailoring frequency to the condition

Different health conditions have varying requirements regarding the frequency of data collection. More regular patient-reported measures collection might be necessary for chronic conditions requiring constant monitoring. In contrast, less frequent data collection might suffice for stable or less fluctuating conditions. It's essential for healthcare providers to assess the nature of the condition and customise the data collection schedule accordingly, ensuring that it aligns with the patient's needs and the demands of their specific health situation.

Embracing technological solutions

The growth of technology has significantly transformed the landscape of patient-reported data collection. Mobile apps, wearable devices and online platforms offer convenient and efficient methods for patients to report their experiences and outcomes regularly. These tools simplify the data entry process and provide real-time insights to healthcare providers, enabling them to respond promptly to any trends or developments in the patient's condition. Moreover, technology allows for dynamic adjustments in data collection frequency, ensuring that it can be adapted based on the patient's changing needs or health status.

Promoting patient engagement

Engaging patients in the patient-reported data collection process is paramount. Educating patients about the importance of their reported data, how it informs their care, and its positive impact on their treatment outcomes fosters a sense of ownership and purpose. When patients understand the value of their contributions, they are more likely to actively participate and provide accurate and timely data, enhancing the overall quality and reliability of the information collected.

In the quest for optimised healthcare outcomes, the frequency of patient-reported data collection is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's a dynamic, patient-centred process that requires collaboration, understanding and adaptability. By tailoring the frequency of data collection to the specific needs of the patient and the nature of their condition, harnessing the power of technology and fostering patient engagement, healthcare providers can strike the right balance. This approach ensures that PRM data becomes valuable, empowering patients and healthcare professionals in their shared journey towards improved health and well-being.

Further Learning:

For further details on why measuring patient-reported outcomes and experiences will become important to your practice in the near future, watch our free Kickstarter webinar - Australian Health Reform: What it means for you and your practice here.

Further Reading:

Blog: The Fundamentals of Patient-Reported Measures.

Selecting PROMs: Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

Blog: Exploring the Six Stages of Patient Engagement in Healthcare.