The Implementation of PROMs/PREMs in the Assessment of Orthodontic Treatment Outcomes: A Questionnaire Survey

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of self-perceived treatment outcomes and experiences on psychological aspects, reflecting the importance of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) in orthodontic practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was constructed using the PROMs/PREMs concepts. It contained five parts: “Demographic data”, “Self-perceived esthetics”, “Self-perceived functional concern”, “Satisfaction of treatment procedures”, and “Psychological aspect”. The questionnaire was piloted in five experts and 50 orthodontic patients to ensure its quality, using content validity, test-retest reliability, and Cronbach’s alpha. The validated version was provided to patients who had a complete fixed appliance orthodontic treatment. These data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation. In addition, a multiple linear regression was used to analyze whether there were any influential factors on a psychological aspect. Statistical significance was taken at P < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 271 respondents completed the questionnaire. They tended to have positive perceptions toward the outcomes of orthodontic treatment. There was a significant difference in self-perceived esthetics between the male and female groups. Self-perceived esthetic and functional concerns as well as satisfaction of treatment procedures were found to have significant correlations with the psychological aspect. Sex and self-perceived esthetics were also found to be significant predictors of the psychological aspect. CONCLUSION: PROMs/PREMs should be considered as an important tool to assess treatment outcomes in orthodontic practice. There appeared to be significant impact of self-perceived esthetics on psychological aspects. Consequently, PROMs and PREMs should be introduced in orthodontic postgraduate programs to enhance the concept of patient-centered care in orthodontic practice.