The implementation of patient-reported outcome measures in clinical practice in gastroenterology

other supervisors

Professor Simon Travis, Nuffield Department of Medicine

background

Patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) are increasingly implemented into clinical practice to support patients and deliver more patient-centred care. It may also help patients more effectively to self-manage their condition and to improve communication between patients and clinicians.

Electronic data collection systems, such as the True Colours (TC) System for ulcerative colitis (UC), have been developed. In a feasibility study, patients have been positive about the use of TC-UC. Although patients felt more supported by using the system, it has not yet been investigated how TC could impact on care and the interaction between the patient and their clinical team. This project would encompass evaluation of the usefulness of such a system to patients and their clinical team, whilst also potentially extending the system to other conditions such as Crohn’s disease or coeliac disease. 

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE, RESEARCH METHODS AND TRAINING

The project will use mixed methods research to evaluate the implementation of PROMs in gastroenterology. This could involve asking patients to complete electronic PROMs on a routine basis, and evaluating how both patients and clinicians use the PROMs data during their clinical encounter. Qualitative in-depth interviewing with patients and clinicians would be conducted to evaluate the usefulness of PROMs data collection for the clinical context. Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) will feature strongly in this project to ensure that the project addresses issues of importance to patients.

There will be opportunities to learn about mixed methods research, including various aspects of quantitative and qualitative methods. PROMs and their use in clinical practice will also be a strong feature of this project. There will be opportunities to attend training courses for example on online data collection, qualitative methods and statistics.

field work, secondments, industry placements and training 

The project will be conducted in close collaboration with the Gastroenterology Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital. Prof Travis, the head of the unit, will be providing clinical support as well as research support. 

PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATE

The successful candidate should ideally have experience of conducting qualitative research and using data analytic software and statistics. Some knowledge of medical sociology/health psychology, health services and patient-reported outcomes research would be an advantage.