Using Technology to Improve Data Capture and Integration of Patient-Reported Outcomes Into Clinical Care: Pilot Results in a Busy Colorectal Unit

PURPOSE: Patient-reported outcomes are traditionally collected through paper questionnaires. This process is labor intensive and costly. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using tablet computing technology to streamline the questionnaire intake process and integrate patient-reported outcomes into electronic health records for access at the point of care. METHODS: Response-driven electronic questionnaires for patients with colorectal disorders were designed. The impact of this technology on clinical workflow and questionnaire response rates was assessed. Historical data on paper questionnaire response rates over a similar time period were compared with the electronic data. RESULTS: From June through July 2009, data from 103 patient visits to 2 surgeons over 8 clinic days were included. Females comprised 69.7% of the sample with a median age of 49 (range, 18-84) years. When patients checked in 30 minutes early, 82% completed the forms by their scheduled visit time. The questionnaires response rate was 96%. Scores were calculated automatically and included in the electronic health record. Median questionnaire completion time was 15 (interquartile range, 8-21) minutes. Conversely, collection rates of historical data for the same surgeons over a 2-month period revealed that 152 patient visits yielded 38 paper questionnaires, a response rate of 25%. CONCLUSION: Collection of patient-reported outcomes by use of tablet technology and automatic transmission into the electronic chart with data storage for later use is feasible. This process can overcome many of the inefficiencies associated with paper questionnaires.