How Can We Help? Using Patient-Reported Outcomes to Improve Post Stroke Care

Research Objectives: The International Consortium on Health Outcome Measurement (ICHOM) has developed a standardized stroke dataset that includes patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). This study aims to explore staff perspectives on the implementation and clinical utility of PROMs dataset and assess the quality of the data captured within the dataset.

Design: A mixed methods, quantitative-qualitative study design. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Content analysis was conducted to identify common, overarching themes.

Setting: Two regional centers specializing in acute care of stroke patients.

Participants: Staff employed in stroke clinical neurosciences who were involved in the development, implementation, and/or completion of the PROMs dataset.

Interventions: Not Applicable.

Main Outcome Measures: Semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted, as well as a data quality evaluation.

Results: A total of six interviews were conducted. While the dataset was acknowledged to be a valuable tool, and thought to be important in the identification and management of patients’ needs, staff did not use the data captured in their clinical practice. In terms of data quality, less than a quarter (23.4%) of patients received a follow-up call during the study period; however, of those that did, 95.8% agreed to complete the PROMs. Common barriers to implementation included high staff turnover, lack of time, and/or availability of an appropriately qualified person for data collection.

Conclusions: Staff were supportive of a program which could provide monitoring, oversight, and follow-up of stroke patients after discharge from acute care. However, the utility of the dataset is heavily dependent on having the data collection process being properly resourced.

Author(s) Disclosures: None.