Equity-Driven Implementation of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Musculoskeletal Care

Abstract

:The clinical use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in musculoskeletal care is expanding, encompassing both individual patient management and population-level applications. However, without thoughtful implementation, we risk introducing or exacerbating disparities in care processes or outcomes. We outline examples of opportunities, challenges, and priorities throughout PROM implementation to equitably advance value-based care at both the patient and population level. Balancing standardization with tailored strategies can enable the large-scale implementation of PROMs while optimizing care processes and outcomes for all patients.

Equitable Integration of Patient-Reported Outcomes Into Clinical Practice—Opportunities, Challenges, and a Roadmap for Implementation

“…As the recognition of the benefits of PROMs grows, patients will benefit from effort to ensure they are equally available to all patients. 26 For example, are PROMs accessible to and understood by all patients? Do physicians use PROM data similarly with all patients?…”

“…As the recognition of the benefits of PROMs grows, patients will benefit from effort to ensure they are equally available to all patients. 26 Patients with multiple of the aforementioned risk factors were also less likely to complete PROMs. Stirling et al 28 noted that younger age, increasing social deprivation, higher comorbid status, worse preoperative PROM score, and unemployment were predictors of not completing postoperative PROMs.…”