Resident Physician University of Washington Seattle, Washington, United States
Introduction: Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are important tools to assess patient function, pain, disability, and quality of life. PROMs are traditionally collected using paper forms which has significant disadvantages. We propose that digital collection of PROMs using a smartphone app is more efficient and valid compared to paper PROMs.
Methods: Patients undergoing evaluation for endoscopic spine surgery were recruited from the outpatient clinic at Harborview Medical Center. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and EQ5-5D PROMs were administered on paper and through a smartphone app. Compliance rates were collected and PROM results were assessed for correlation between paper and digital methods.
Results: 123 patients were enrolled. 57.7% of patients completed paper PROMs, 82.9% completed digital PROMs, and 50.4% completed both. Of the patients that completed both, Spearman’s correlation was greatest for VAS legs, ODI, and EQ5 index scores (0.83, 0.81,0.83, 0.81 respectively). Correlation was weaker for VAS back pain, neck pain, and upper extremity pain (0.47, -0.35, 0.27 respectively). Patients tended to report lower mean disability (ODI) and higher mean quality of life (EQ5) on the digital PROM compared to the paper PROM (p < 0.05).
Conclusion : Digital app-based collection of PROMs is a reliable method to evaluate for patient reported pain, disability, and overall quality of life compared to paper PROMs. Apps allow for more seamless collection and validation of data, a lower environmental footprint, and the option to serially monitor patients over time.
