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Using Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures for Quality Improvement in Clinical Genetics: an Exploratory Study
Author(s) -
Costal Tirado A.,
McDermott A. M.,
Thomas C.,
Ferrick D.,
Harris J.,
Edwards A.,
McAllister Marion
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of genetic counseling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1573-3599
pISSN - 1059-7700
DOI - 10.1007/s10897-017-0079-6
Subject(s) - patient reported outcome , prom , medicine , genetic counseling , health care , nursing , audit , excellence , psychology , family medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , obstetrics , biology , political science , law , economics , genetics , economic growth , management
International advocacy of patient‐centred healthcare delivery has led to emphasis on the (re)design and evaluation of healthcare processes and outcomes from a patient perspective. Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) have significant potential to inform such attempts. However there is limited understanding of the processes by which this can be achieved. This exploratory study followed attempts to utilise two different PROMs measures to support service quality improvement in clinical genetics. PROMs used were the Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale (GCOS‐24), a well‐validated clinical genetics‐specific PROM and Euroqol (EQ‐5D), a generic PROM favoured by the UK National Institute for Health and Excellence (NICE). Both of these PROMs enable pre/post intervention comparison. A service audit tool was also used, premised on a patient‐reported experience measure. In addition, the study draws on interviews with clinical staff to identify challenges associated with the use of PROMs (response rate, data collection, analysis). Benefits are also explored and include the provision of insight into patients’ needs; complementing clinical judgement; identification of needs being met, evidencing the benefit of services provided; prompting consideration of areas requiring attention; and encouraging professional development.