Impact of electronic patient-reported outcome measures on patients' perception of the physician - the randomized ePREFERENCE study

Abstract

Background: Electronic Patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) are increasingly used in radiotherapy departments. However, the impact of ePROM integration on patients' perceptions of healthcare providers, particularly in terms of empathy and professionalism, remains unclear. Thus, this study aims to assess the patients' views on healthcare professionals during ePROM-based consultations.

Methods: In this randomized trial, radiotherapy patients were enrolled and asked to evaluate video vignettes of consultations between a radiation oncologist and a patient. Two scenarios were shown in random order, one vignette portrayed a paper-chart-based clinic visit, and the other a consultation in which ePROMs were implemented. Established questionnaires such as Physician Compassion Questionnaire (PCQ), Jefferson Patient Perception of Physician Empathy (JPP), Physician Professionalism Questionnaire (PPQ) and Global Consultation Rating Scale (GCRS) were used to rate the healthcare professional. The primary endpoint was physician compassion.

Results: Between May and August 2022, 152 patients, predominantly with malignancies of the breast, prostate, and brain participated. Patients rated the physician in ePROM-based consultations with higher mean scores for physician compassion compared to paper chart-based ones (36.4 vs. 34.2, p = 0.029). No negative impact of ePROMs was observed in terms of professionalism, global rating or physician empathy. Despite a shorter duration of the visit and reduced eye contact, 63 % of patients ultimately favored ePROM-based consultations.

Conclusion: The ePREFERENCE trial shows that the implementation of ePROMs in clinic visits during radiotherapy treatment positively impacts the patients' perception of the physician's compassion. ePROMs can therefore not only be considered a useful tool to improve workflows but are also broadly accepted by patients.