Gemstracker Expertise team Rotterdam arm and hand: Web-based monitoring of physical, social and emotional functioning in patients with upper limb amputations.

Abstract

Patient-reported outcome measures are increasingly used to evaluate effectiveness of treatment. However, the use of 'paper and pencil' questionnaires is time-consuming for both patients and healthcare specialists. Therefore, the aim of this project was to develop a custom-built web-based monitoring system. We incorporated reliable and valid questionnaires on all domains of human functioning as described in the World Health Organization's Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF and ICF-CY). The method of remote follow-up enables long-term evaluation of PROMs. We specified monitoring protocols for both children and adults, split for different age groups with emphasis on health-related quality of life. Time-efficient evaluation of PROMs may lead to higher compliance and an increase of client-centred practice. Moreover, evaluating PROMs facilitates patient empowerment and enables patients to make informed decisions about their treatment and healthcare needs. Clinical relevance We developed a web-based system for evaluation of PROMs. The system has enabled better informed decision-making for our clients.