Patient-reported outcome or (PRO) EMR integration refers to the integration of patient-reported outcome measures within electronic health record systems. PROs measure a patient’s health status, symptoms, and quality of life that are reported directly by the patient. Patient-reported outcomes assess a patient’s health status, symptoms, and quality of life based on information provided by the patient. They offer useful information to healthcare providers on the patient’s subjective experiences and points of view.
Integration of PROs into EMR Software
Integrating PROs into Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Software allows healthcare providers to collect, store, and track patient-reported data systematically.
It entails integrating standardized questions or surveys into the EHR workflow, so patients may fill them out online. The PRO data is then stored in the patient’s electronic health record for review and analysis by healthcare providers.
Benefits of patient-reported outcome EHR integration
The following benefits can be reaped from PRO EMR software integration.
- Improves patient-provider communication as it incorporates the patient’s perspective in the care-making process.
- Ensures the accuracy of patient data and enhances it as it is directly coming from the patient.
- PRO data is valuable and can be used for medical research purposes, and to evaluate treatment efficacy.
- Integration makes way for patient-centered care.
- Supports the provider to make informed care decisions and in turn improves health outcome levels.
Recent use cases of patient-reported outcome EHR integration
A big step up has been taken by the University of Miami Health System with a new quality initiative that has the primary goal of improving orthopedic care for patients through EMR integration of patient-reported outcome levels.
Orthopedic patients visiting the clinic can easily complete surveys on their smartphones via a mobile link. The data collected is automatically available to providers at the clinic so they are well informed. Clinicians can view patient responses during or after the encounter to offer care recommendations by reading the surveys.
Moving ahead
Greater access to patient-reported outcomes data can help clinicians deliver patient-centered care. The focus on patient-centered care also empowers patients to participate in their care journey.
Integrating PROs into EHR systems allows healthcare providers to acquire a thorough view of the patient’s health status, track treatment outcomes, and identify areas where interventions may be required and offer high-quality care.
