Understanding providers' perspectives using patient-reported outcomes in a pain management setting: a pilot study

Pain Manag. 2024;14(4):163-172. doi: 10.2217/pmt-2023-0084. Epub 2024 Apr 4.

Abstract

Aim: This pilot study evaluated an electronic patient-reported outcomes collection system in pain management to understand providers' experiences using the data, and how it affects their patient interaction and guides their clinical decision-making. Materials & methods: Using stratified convenience sampling, nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with consented pain physicians. The transcribed, de-identified interviews were coded and analyzed. Results: Although most physicians utilized patient reported outcomes (PROs), one-third reported no significant change in their practice since implementation and 56% stated it does not influence their treatment recommendations. Conclusion: Despite the importance of measuring the impact of chronic pain on quality of life, there are significant limitations to the real-world use of PRO that may limit the patient's assessment and care.

Keywords: HRQoL; PRO; PROMIS; chronic pain; health related quality of life; physician perspectives.

Plain language summary

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MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Chronic Pain* / psychology
  • Chronic Pain* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Management* / methods
  • Patient Reported Outcome Measures*
  • Physicians
  • Pilot Projects
  • Quality of Life