Patient-reported outcome measures applied in chronic diseases relevant to asthma remission: a scoping review

Asthma remission is a meaningful treatment goal that requires patient and healthcare provider agreement. However, there is currently no validated way to incorporate patient perspectives of remission in this process. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can allow comprehensive assessment of remission by capturing the impact on individual patient experiences. The aim of this study was to identify PROMs used to define remission in other chronic diseases, thereby informing development of a PROM for asthma remission.

A scoping review of primary research studies was conducted using five databases. Eligible studies reported on the development or validation of PROMs that assess remission in chronic diseases. Data were extracted and analysed thematically to identify types of PROMs, health domains assessed and methodological quality.

Nine studies met inclusion criteria, covering 12 PROMs for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and ankylosis spondyloarthritis. Domains most frequently assessed included disease-specific symptoms (n=11), generalised symptoms (n=5) and mental health (n=2). PROMs generally asked patients about their current health (n=8) although some PROMs had longer recall periods (n=4). Only one PROM was developed with direct patient involvement.

PROMs currently employed in other chronic diseases signify significant complexity when attempting to capture multidimensional aspects of disease remission from a patient perspective. However, fundamental domains and other health elements can be distinguished that will aid development of robust, patient-informed PROMs that align with patient-centred experiences of remission, thereby improving shared decision-making in asthma.