Implementation of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure: A Quality Improvement Project.

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Quality Improvement Science
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are vital for patient-centered care but challenging to implement routinely.
• Outpatient neurorehabilitation settings face specific hurdles in integrating PROMs into clinical workflows.
• A gap exists in understanding how to effectively collect and utilize PROMs for patient goal setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and assess the routine collection and utilization of a specific PROM in an outpatient neurorehabilitation program.
• To identify the most appropriate PROM for outpatient neurorehabilitation through a participatory approach.
• To evaluate the impact of a quality improvement initiative on PROM collection and patient goal integration.

Main Methods:

• Employed the Institute for Health Care Improvement Model for Improvement methodology.
• Utilized a participatory approach involving rehabilitation stakeholders to select a PROM.
• Conducted chart audits to assess PROM implementation and documentation of PROM-related goals.
• Collected clinician feedback on PROM usefulness and acceptability.

Main Results:

• Successfully increased the collection of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) over a 4-month period.
• Demonstrated improved incorporation of the PSFS into patient-centered goal setting.
• Quality improvement methodology proved effective in planning and executing the initiative.

Conclusions:

• The quality improvement initiative successfully enhanced the use of the PSFS in outpatient neurorehabilitation.
• A participatory approach and QI methodology are beneficial for implementing PROMs.
• Further research is needed to ensure sustained use and maximize patient outcomes.