The Purpose of Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) Post Its Digitalization and Integration into Clinical Practice: An Interdisciplinary Redefinition Resembling PROs Theoretical and Practical Evolvement

Abstract

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) digitalization and integration into clinical practice has widened its purpose, which makes it relevant to reconceptualize PRO accordingly. Therefore, this study aims to describe and critically discuss the purposes of PRO and to suggest an interdisciplinary definition of PRO aligned with current applications. The findings in this study are based on a formerly conducted scoping review on PRO and patient participation; hence, a sub-study focusing on the purpose of PRO. The purposes of PRO pertain to research and drug testing; quality and economy; patient-centered care; politicization and democratization; and organization and culture. The suggested definition describes PRO as a validated questionnaire; developed in collaboration between patients, clinicians, and other pertinent stakeholders; systematically applied; mediated digitally or paper-based; completed directly by the patient, with assistance or by a qualified proxy; composed of generic, disease-specific, condition-specific or preference-based measures; consisting of content pertaining to the patient’s physical and mental health condition, functioning, symptoms, well-being or health-related quality of life (HRQoL); providing objective and/or subjective outcomes, and individual and/or population data. An alternative understanding of PRO is meant to enhance the link between purposes and definitions of PRO, facilitating interdisciplinary stakeholder discussions on PRO, potentially improving future PRO interventions.