Electronic forms for patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are an effective, time-efficient, and cost-minimizing alternative to paper forms

Abstract Background Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) provide valuable insight on patients’ well-being and facilitates communication between healthcare providers their patients. The increased integration of the technology within setting presents opportunity to collect PROMs electronically, rather than paper. Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) Quality My Life (QoML) are common collected from pediatric rheumatology objectives this study (a) determine equivalence paper electronic forms (e-form) CHAQ QoML questionnaires; (b) identify potential benefits barriers associated with using an e-form capture PROMs; (c) gather feedback user experience. Methods Participants completed both a questionnaires in randomized order, following which they survey. Agreement scores were statistically analyzed intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (95 % Confidence Interval (CI)) bias was assessed Bland-Altman plot. Completion processing times compared mean median measures. Quantitative analysis performed assess experience ratings, while comments qualitatively important themes. Results 196 patients participated project. Scores had high ICC agreement > 0.9. New took longer returning complete forms. Overall, processed shorter amount time form. 83 survey respondents indicated that either preferred or no preference. Approximately 10 suggested improvements improve interface. Conclusions E-forms comparable information efficient manner Given caregivers completing manner, we will implement changes incorporate e-forms as standard practice for collection our clinic.