Successful integration of an automated patient-reported outcome measure within a hospital electronic patient record

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this evaluation was to assess the feasibility of implementing a fully integrated, automated, electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROM) system into a hospital electronic patient record (EPR; hospital-based clinical record). Additional objectives included evaluating the effect of the system on patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) completion rates and investigating the acceptability of the ePROM. METHODS: The evaluation was conducted in a rheumatology clinic in a specialist children’s hospital in the UK. Paper-based childhood HAQ PROMs were already used in the clinic, and an EPR was the main hospital information system. The technical feasibility of introducing the ePROM technology was assessed using a case study approach; the effect of the system on PROM completion rates was investigated using a before–after design; and acceptability was assessed using semi-structured questionnaires and a focus group. RESULTS: An automated and integrated ePROM system was implemented successfully in April 2021. After implementation, ∼500 automated SMS text messaging invitations to complete ePROMs were sent to care-givers each month. PROM completion rates increased from 33 of 100 (33%) to 47 of 65 (72%) after the introduction of the ePROM system (χ(2) = 11.51; P < 0.05). The ePROM system was highly acceptable to patients and clinical staff. Some clinical staff expressed a concern that an electronic system might represent a barrier to care for families with more limited resources. CONCLUSION: High levels of automation and integration with existing technology systems seemed to be key contextual factors associated with the successful implementation and adoption of the ePROM intervention in a paediatric rheumatology clinic.