Enhancing Pediatric Care: Implementing PROMs and PREMs in Alberta
The healthcare landscape is evolving towards a more Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) approach, which emphasizes collaboration with patients and their families in formulating individualized treatment plans. In pediatrics, this approach is crucial as it empowers young patients and their families by ensuring their voices are heard and respected. One effective way to achieve this is through the use of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs).
PROMs and PREMs are standardized questionnaires that allow patients to self-report their health status and experiences with care. Despite their benefits, the integration of these measures into routine pediatric care remains inconsistent. A recent mixed-methods study conducted in Alberta sheds light on the current uptake of pediatric PROMs and PREMs, as well as the challenges associated with their implementation.
The Current Landscape
The study identified 33 unique PROMs and 6 PREMs being used across various pediatric specialties in Alberta. These measures are employed for diverse purposes including research, clinical care, quality improvement, and care evaluation. However, the mode of administration varies significantly, ranging from traditional paper-based methods to electronic platforms.
Challenges in Implementation
The study highlights several barriers to the widespread adoption of PROMs and PREMs:
- Clinician-associated challenges: Limited capacity to address issues identified by these measures and personal apprehensions about their utility.
- Patient and family-associated challenges: Lack of understanding about the importance of these measures and limited capacity to complete them.
- System-level challenges: The absence of integration within electronic medical records systems like Connect Care and lack of policy mandates supporting their use.
Strategies for Improvement
The findings suggest that healthcare organizations need to develop evidence-based strategies for implementing PROMs and PREMs. Engaging clinicians in selecting appropriate measures and creating clinical management pathways can mitigate some challenges. Educating patients and families about the value of these measures is also crucial.
The integration of PROMs and PREMs into electronic medical records systems like Connect Care could streamline their use across Alberta. Additionally, policy mandates similar to those in cancer care could standardize their adoption across various healthcare settings.
The Way Forward
This study provides valuable insights into the current state of pediatric PROMs and PREMs in Alberta. By addressing the identified challenges, healthcare providers can enhance patient engagement and improve care outcomes. For practitioners looking to implement or expand the use of these measures, further research into best practices and successful case studies can offer guidance.
