Determining the Effectiveness of Using Patient-Reported Outcomes in Pediatric Clinical Practices

Abstract

ProblemPatient-reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly recognized in pediatric clinical care as adding essential information relevant to actual care. However, the effectiveness of using PROs in pediatric clinical settings has not been fully explored with synthesized evidence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using patient-reported outcomes in pediatric clinical practices. Eligibility criteriaWe searched four English and three Chinese databases to identify studies that examine the effectiveness of using PROs in pediatric clinical practices published from the inception date of each database to January 2020. SampleTen articles met the inclusion criteria. ResultsThere was wide a variation in the ten studies' designs, samples, PROs administered (type, length, timing, mode), and type of outcomes evaluated. The effect sizes of using PROs on three categories of outcomes (patient, process of care and health service) were assessed. Of 70 measured outcomes, 32 were positive, 5 were negative, and 33 were mixed. ConclusionsOverall, there is a weak but trending positive impact of using PROs in pediatric clinical practice. ImplicationsMore rigorous study designs with sources of bias controlled are needed to more directly assess the impact of using PROs in pediatric care. If findings continue to be positive, then an implementation model addressing the numerous influencing factors is recommended to integrate PROs into pediatric care.