Patients' and Physicians' Perspectives on Using an ePRO Structure at the Otorhinolaryngology Outpatient Clinic

The current study aims to evaluate patients' and physicians' experiences with the use of an electronic patient reported outcomes (ePRO) structure in a general otorhinolaryngology practice.

We conducted a mixed-methods study using quantitative data from a before-after study using a patient reported experience measure, combined with qualitative data from semi-structured interviews. Within the ePRO structure and dashboard, disease-specific questionnaires (SNOT-22, NOSE-scale and Utrecht Questionnaire) and a generic questionnaire (PROMIS-10) were completed before each consultation.

A total of 152 patients were included (standard care = 77, ePRO care = 75). The majority (70%) of the patients reported that the ePRO structure was a valuable addition to the consultation, and they reported significant fewer missed topics (p < 0.010). In addition, 15 patients and all physicians (n = 5) were semistructured interviewed. They reported no benefit of the generic PROMs, but the disease-specific PROMs and open-ended question added to patient-doctor communication and increased patient empowerment. Physicians had the feeling that additional topics were addressed due to the PROMs, and the patients' needs were more upfront. Discussing PROMs did not significantly prolong their consultation.

Integration of an ePRO structure for patients with nasal obstruction or rhinosinusitis facilitated patient-centered care. The qualitative analysis showed increased patient empowerment; most felt better prepared, were more equal conversation partners, and felt more heard. In the future, we hope to expand the ePRO structure to other patient groups and collaborate with other institutions.