Using Person-Reported Outcomes (PROs) to Motivate Young People with Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This manuscript describes how person-reported outcomes (PROs) can be utilized in care for young people with diabetes in the context of motivation. RECENT FINDINGS: The use of person-reported outcome measures (PROMS) in clinical care is feasible and acceptable, and helps focus the clinical encounter on life domains important to the person with diabetes. Results with regard to impact on self-management and glycemic outcomes are limited. Motivation is an important factor for self-management. Based on self-determination theory, autonomy-supportive, person-centered, and collaborative communication by diabetes care providers is associated with better outcomes. PROMs can facilitate this conversation. SUMMARY: Understanding of youth motivation for maintaining or improving self-management behaviors requires a person-centered approach. PROMs can be used to facilitate an autonomy-supportive and person-centered conversation in clinical care. Training diabetes care providers in autonomy-supportive, person-centered conversation skills to discuss PROs might help to tap into youth’s motivation, but further research is needed.