P02 Utilising electronic PROMs to measure a change in health following elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a feasibility study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The collection of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) has many benefits for clinical practice. However, there are also many barriers that prevent them from becoming a part of routine clinical care. The aim of this feasibility study was to pilot the use of a digital platform to facilitate the routine collection of pre- and postoperative electronic PROMs (ePROMs) in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and to validate the use of existing PROs for our population. Methods 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). An assessment of methodological quality of ePROM questionnaires was also performed. Results Preoperative ePROMs were completed in 200 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Despite participant drop out a significant improvement in quality of life was seen across all health domains postoperatively when compared with baseline preoperative values for both disease specific (emotional functioning; preoperative: 48.9, 30-days: 15.6, 3-months: 16.7, 6-months: 7.9, p < 0.05) and generic (emotional well-being; preoperative: 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. Conclusion The collection of ePROMs 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 to reduce reporting bias. Take-home message ePROMs are an acceptable and useful measure of quality-of-life trends for patients and clinicians, however further development is required to improve its usability in the clinical setting.