Exploring patients' experience using PROMs within routine post-discharge follow-up assessment after stroke: a mixed methods approach

B M P Mourits; S J den Hartog; J A de Graaf; B Roozenbeek; M W M Post; J M A Visser-Meily; E W M Scholten

doi:10.1186/s41687-024-00724-w

Exploring patients' experience using PROMs within routine post-discharge follow-up assessment after stroke: a mixed methods approach

J Patient Rep Outcomes. 2024 Apr 26;8(1):46. doi: 10.1186/s41687-024-00724-w.

Authors

B M P Mourits¹, S J den Hartog², J A de Graaf^{3

4}, B Roozenbeek², M W M Post^{3

5}, J M A Visser-Meily^{3

4}, E W M Scholten³

Affiliations

¹ Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands. b.m.p.mourits@umcutrecht.nl.
² Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
³ Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
⁴ Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
⁵ University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Abstract

Background: Patient Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs) are being used increasingly to measure health problems in stroke clinical practice. However, the implementation of these PROMs in routine stroke care is still in its infancy. To understand the value of PROMs used in ischemic stroke care, we explored the patients' experience with PROMs and with the consultation at routine post-discharge follow-up after stroke.

Methods: In this prospective mixed methods study, patients with ischemic stroke completed an evaluation questionnaire about the use of PROMs and about their consultation in two Dutch hospitals. Additionally, telephone interviews were held to gain in-depth information about their experience with PROMs.

Results: In total, 63 patients completed the evaluation questionnaire of which 10 patients were also interviewed. Most patients (82.2-96.6%) found completing the PROMs to be feasible and relevant. Half the patients (49.2-51.6%) considered the PROMs useful for the consultation and most patients (87.3-96.8%) reported the consultation as a positive experience. Completing the PROMs provided 51.6% of the patients with insight into their stroke-related problems. Almost 75% of the patients found the PROMs useful in giving the healthcare provider greater insight, and 60% reported discussing the PROM results during the consultation. Interviewed patients reported the added value of PROMs, particularly when arranging further care, in gaining a broader insight into the problems, and in ensuring all important topics were discussed during the consultation.

Conclusions: Completing PROMs appears to be feasible for patients with stroke attending post-discharge consultation; the vast majority of patients experienced added value for themselves or the healthcare provider. We recommend that healthcare providers discuss the PROM results with their patients to improve the value of PROMs for the patient. This could also improve the willingness to complete PROMs in the future.

Keywords: Mixed method; PROM; Patient perspectives; Patient reported outcome measure; Post-discharge consultation; Routine stroke care; Stroke.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Middle Aged
Netherlands
Patient Discharge*
Patient Reported Outcome Measures*
Patient Satisfaction
Prospective Studies
Stroke / psychology
Stroke / therapy
Stroke Rehabilitation / methods
Surveys and Questionnaires