ePROMs are Best Used Alongside 'A High-Quality Conversation' as Part of a Therapeutic Relationship. A Qualitative Study of Children with Life-Altering Skin Conditions

Abstract

PURPOSE: The benefits and barriers of using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in routine clinical practice have been examined extensively, but there has been limited in-depth exploration of the experience of PROMs by stakeholders and consumers. This study sought to understand the experiences of children with life-altering skin conditions, their caregivers and treating health professionals regarding the routine use of electronic PROMs. METHODS: Using interpretive description, data were gathered through qualitative interviews and researcher observations in two outpatient clinics within a major metropolitan paediatric hospital. In total, 48 interviews were conducted with children (aged 11-16 years) attending burn scar or vascular anomalies clinics, their caregivers (children of all ages) and treating health professionals. RESULTS: The therapeutic relationship was a central organising concept and crucial for providing person-centred care. Within the therapeutic relationship, ePROMs were used to prioritise where to start alongside a high-quality conversation. Study themes identified were shaping (or not shaping) care, taking a considered approach to the use of ePROMs, and aligning values and priorities with the everyday reality. ePROMs did not shape care or capture the priorities of all children and caregivers. A spectrum of sentiment from negative to positive was expressed by families regarding the routine use of ePROMs, differing to the predominantly positive sentiment by health professionals. CONCLUSIONS: ePROMs should be used alongside high-quality conversations to assist in eliciting, understanding and evaluating what matters to children and caregivers but must be used within a therapeutic relationship.