A new study published in AJMC examines patient-reported outcomes for orthopedic care with a web-based quality-of-life questionnaire.
The researchers gave a web-based version of the EuroQol 5-diminesion and Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score to 666 patients who received care at two facilities over a nine month period. The survey was taken on touchscreen devices.
Here are five key findings from the study:
1. There was a 93 percent to 95 percent completion rate for the questionnaire.
2. It took patients three minutes to five minutes to complete the questionnaire at each institution.
3. The average scores for both EQ-5D and KOOS before and after surgery were consistent with scores reported in prior literature.
4. The study authors stressed the importance of including a baseline assessment of clinical workflows to identify when the best time to administer the questionnaires is, and to utilize IT support.
5. The data was collected electronically and scored instantaneously for real-time feedback and tracked patient progress overtime for quality assurance.
"This study demonstrates the feasibility of routinely collecting patient-reported data as part of standard care, which will become increasingly important as the nationwide emphasis on tracking quality and cost-effectiveness of treatments in orthopedics grows," said the study authors.