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Patient-reported outcome measures in pediatric surgery - A systematic review
Anne-Sophie Besner1, Julia Loyola Ferreira2, Nikki Ow3
1Harvey E. Beardmore Division of Pediatric Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada; McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, Canada.
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are vital in pediatric surgery quality assessment. This study found a lack of validated, individualized PROMs, highlighting a need for better tools to support family-centered care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Health Services Research
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- Measuring surgical care quality is shifting towards patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).
- PROMs are underutilized in pediatric surgery.
- This study addresses the need to understand current PROM use in this field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify existing PROMs used in pediatric surgery.
- To assess the characteristics of these PROMs.
- To identify gaps and areas for improvement in PROM development and application.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across eight databases up to May 2021.
- PRISMA standards were followed for study screening by two independent reviewers.
- Study quality was assessed using AXIS and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.
Main Results:
- 101 articles were included from 8282 screened studies; 99% were cross-sectional.
- 85 PROMs were identified, with 53 disease-specific and the rest generic; PedsQL™ was most common.
- 41% of PROMs lacked validation, and 28% were developed ad hoc; no individualized PROMs were found.
Conclusions:
- PROMs are increasingly adopted in pediatric surgery, with disease-specific tools being prevalent.
- A significant gap exists in validated and individualized PROMs for pediatric surgical patients.
- Future development should focus on robust, individualized PROMs to enhance family-centered care.
