Electronic patient-reported outcome

Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome (ePRO) is a method of capturing patient's self-reported health status electronically. These outcomes can include symptoms, functional status, and quality of life. ePROs are increasingly being used in clinical trials and healthcare settings to provide a more accurate and reliable measure of patient outcomes.

Overview

ePROs are typically collected through electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. The use of electronic devices allows for real-time data collection and immediate access to patient responses. This can help healthcare providers to monitor patient health and make timely decisions about treatment.

Benefits

The use of ePROs has several benefits. Firstly, it can improve the accuracy of data collection by reducing the risk of data entry errors. Secondly, it can increase patient engagement by allowing patients to report their health status in their own words. Thirdly, it can facilitate the collection of data in real-time, which can be particularly useful in monitoring chronic conditions.

Challenges

Despite these benefits, there are also challenges associated with the use of ePROs. These include the need for technical infrastructure and support, the potential for data privacy issues, and the need for training for both patients and healthcare providers.

Future Directions

As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that the use of ePROs will continue to increase. Future research is needed to explore the potential benefits and challenges of ePROs in different healthcare settings and patient populations.

See Also

• Patient-reported outcome
• Electronic health record
• Clinical trial
• Healthcare technology