Current research on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs): A Scoping Review

Authors

  • Kiara McMurdo Kent and Medway Medical School
  • Paolo Consigliere William Harvey Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22024/UniKent/03/ajpp.1362

Abstract

Background: Patient- reported outcome measures (‘PROMs’), a quality-of-life reporting tool, is routinely used pre- and post-operatively over a vast array of medical and surgical specialities. Current research is highly specific for total knee and/or total hip arthroplasty, many of which are country specific. There is very little research into the true challenges and benefits of PROMs use in elective orthopaedic surgery on a generalised global scale. This scoping review was completed to determine these benefits and challenges, among other areas, and to provide recommendations for future practice.

 

Methods: The PRISMA Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) checklist was utilised for this scoping review. The initials steps identified key words and their relevant synonyms, which were combined with Boolean Operators, producing a vast array of journal articles across three databases. The articles were rigorously reviewed against eligibility criteria, and the final papers put through a 6-step process to generate major and minor themes in a thematic analysis ensuring all data was extracted.

 

Results: A total of 892 journal articles were discovered from the keyword search string across three data sites. These articles were filtered against the inclusion and exclusion criteria from which 7 final papers were included in this scoping review. The inclusion criteria consisted of papers that were published in English, within the last ten years and papers relating to PROMs data from orthopaedics specifically, among others.

The exclusion criteria included papers which were systematic reviews or pilot review, papers published for a specific country and papers focussing on a specific patient subgroup, alongside other criteria.

The majority of the papers were published around 2020, but there was a vast array of article genres with no clear predominance. These papers included randomised control trials and narrative reviews, among others.

The final 7 papers were coded, from which major and minor themes were drawn. The major themes in the final scoping review are the application of PROMs, PROMs in the digital age and PROMs on a global scale. The two aforementioned major themes were further explored with 4 minor themes each.

 

 

Conclusions: This scoping review examined the current global and generalised literature on PROMs, an area which has expanded in research. Three major themes were identified, which included the application of PROMS, PROMs in the digital age and finally PROMS on a global scale. The application of PROMs and PROMS in a digital age were further expanded with four minor themes each. The papers found several benefits, challenges and patient and clinician engagement factors when applying PROMs to practice. For example, the shortened versions of PROMS which have been designed to increase completion and engagement from patients. The digital era of PROMs was examined, yielding results which highlighted the status of electronic PROMS (e-PROMs) and their benefits, challenges and future steps. The international standpoint for PROMs integration requires further investigation as there was limited information presented. Ultimately, the research surrounding PROMs is vital to the current shift in medical practice whereby patients and their experiences are the focus, and prospective studies should draw on conclusions in published literature to further their development and integration.

Keywords: Elective Orthopaedic Surgery | Patient Reported Outcome Measures

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Published

2025-11-21

How to Cite

McMurdo, K., & Consigliere, P. (2025). Current research on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs): A Scoping Review. Advanced Journal of Professional Practice, 5(2), 81–82. https://doi.org/10.22024/UniKent/03/ajpp.1362

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Section

Conference Proceedings