Applying PRO Reference Values to Communicate Clinically Relevant Information at the Point-of-care

The inclusion of reference values for common patient-reported outcomes (PROs) measures in clinical care settings provides a clinically relevant context for an individual patient's PRO scores. PRO reference values are currently not reported in clinical care settings. This is a missed opportunity, as clinicians are familiar with the presence and interpretation of reference values, commonly provided alongside laboratory test results. Incorporating PRO reference values into clinical PRO reporting requires: an understanding of the clinical purpose, the availability of an appropriate reference value, and graphical representation.

We present reference value terminology adapted for PROs and discuss important differences between using reference values in the PRO score interpretation compared to other types of clinical measures from clinical chemistry. We outline the basic methodological approaches in obtaining a PRO reference sample and calculating reference intervals. Lastly, we provide recommendations on how to present and use PRO reference values in clinical care settings.

There is a strong, long-standing discipline behind reference value development and application in psychology and medicine, allowing for both providers and patients to understand comparisons and identify what is "out of range." PRO reference values can be communicated in a wide range of ways within clinical care settings and are adaptable as required to different patient populations or clinical care situations. However, a notable adoption barrier is the expense and methodological expertise needed to establish and apply PRO reference values effectively in clinical encounters.