EP.TH.342Using aboutmyop.org to measure quality of life using ePROMs in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy – a feasibility study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The collection of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) have many benefits for clinical practice. However, there are also many barriers that prevent it from becoming a part of routine clinical care. The aim of this study was to pilot the use of aboutmyop.org; a digital data-sharing platform, as a means to collecting electronic PROMs (ePROMs) and validate the ePROMs questionnaires used. Method Patients listed for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were asked to complete digital versions of the Otago gallstones Condition-Specific Questionnaire (CSQ), and the RAND 36-item health survey (SF36) on aboutmyop.org, pre- and post-operatively. In addition to ePROMs, patient demographics and 30-day clinical outcomes were recorded. An assessment of methodological quality of ePROM questionnaires was also performed. Results Pre-operative ePROMs were completed in 200 laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients. Despite participant drop out a significant improvement in quality of life was seen across all health domains post-operatively when compared to baseline pre-operative values for both disease-specific (emotional functioning; Pre-operative: 48.9, 30-days: 15.6, 3-months: 16.7, 6-months: 7.9, p < 0.05) and generic (emotional well-being; Pre-operative: 60.1, 30-days: 73.7, 3-months: 74.3, 6-months: 73.5, p < 0.05) PROMs. Methodological quality was assessed as good to excellent in both digital questionnaires used in the aboutymyop.org system. Conclusion The collection of ePROMs by a digital utility such as aboutymyop.org is possible with current technological advances. Although it may be an acceptable, and convenient process for patients, and a useful measure of quality of life trends for clinicians, further developmental work is necessary to improve accessibility for patients and reduce reporting bias.