How Burdensome Is Completion of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes (ePRO)? Item Completion Times and Qualitative Evidence from Studies in Four Different Health Conditions

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2013.08.1718
• Publication Date: 2013-10-22T03:47:25Z
• Authors: R. Arbuckle; C. Tolley; C. Burbridge
• Keywords: Debriefing; Patient-reported outcome

The patient burden of completing large numbers patient-reported outcome (PRO) items is often a concern; particularly when PROs must be completed daily, or at multiple timepoints over long studies. However, as ePRO and mPRO (technology that utilizes patients’ personal tablets smartphones) methods advance, PRO completion becomes quicker easier. How does it actually take patients to complete ePROs? burdensome do find completion? allows collection the time taken set items. We summarise data from four qualitative studies across range health conditions (fibromyalgia, women’s condition, pediatric constipation irritable bowel syndrome). In all studies, small samples (n=20-65) an diary daily for 5-9 days during pilot testing prior cognitive debriefing. Completion times missed were collected. During debriefing interviews asked how was if they had difficulty fitting into their routine. being developed 15-35 items, but two included skip patterns, reducing item burden. Average ranged 2.5-5.5 minutes per diary. For diaries without mean ‘per item’ calculated 9.4-15.7 seconds. majority (93-100%) reported quick easy not burdensome. Missed rates consistently low with only 0-12% missing more than one in where this information These provide evidence (including children) can very quickly, don’t burdensome, are happy relatively daily. If ePROs carefully designed, using skip-patterns event driven reduced even further.