Patient‐reported outcomes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: An insight for a healthcare system undergoing reform

Abstract

Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) are closely related to the delivery of high‐quality care and services. Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are the tools used to measure the PROs. Despite the challenges and barriers associated with using PROs and PROMs, measuring PROs is valuable for a patient's health status and advancing evidence‐based medicine. Real‐world implementation of PROMs may especially open possibilities for healthcare systems under reform, such as Saudi Arabia. This paper highlights the concepts of PROs and PROMs. Moreover, it distinguishes between PROs and other concepts such as patient experience, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. It also explores the available literature in Saudi Arabia and the world regarding PROs and their role in improving healthcare systems. Last, this paper advocates for utilizing the national and comprehensive tools of PROMS in different levels and disciplines.