Understanding the factors that influence the successful completion of electronic patient-reported outcomes in renal units in England

Abstract

This research sought to understand the factors that influence electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) in UK renal units for intended future implementation at a national level. The ePRO is advocated to be used and adapted in the clinical practice. However, it is still unclear which factors are influencing the ePRO completion in rental units. Thus, this research analysed data from an existing project (with a mixed-method approach for quantitative and qualitative data). It had three objectives to conclude with these potential factors. Objectives: The first objective of the study was to analyse the quantitative data (by using descriptive statistics) and analyse the cross-sectional data of settings of the renal units and to calculate the response rate over time. Objective two analysed the qualitative data with thematic analysis, using framework coding to identify themes that showed an influence on ePRO completion at specific time points. Finally, objective three used triangulating strategy to explain longitudinal patterns of quantitative finding with themes identified from qualitative finding. The data analysis regarding the quantitative part indicated that analysing response rate cross-sectionally showed the effect of unit setting on the participation of patients. The outpatient setting showed more engagement than in-centre setting where patients characteristics of age and number invited varied and year events such as holiday times affected the response rate as well. Moreover, the qualitative analysis identified four themes influenced ePRO, challenges of inviting and reminding patients, challenges faced patients, the personalised support element provided to patients, and units’ strategies implemented. The research revealed three main factors that showed a major influence on ePRO responses in renal units which were: the influence of patients age on the response rate, factors influenced participants engagement, and the unit capacity and workflow factor on ePRO responses. The research provides recommendations to be considered for ePRO future implementation in renal units. Such recommendations as regulating the effective strategies that were identified to be efficient, and invest in the training management programs that elevate the staff members work efficiency to a higher level, and rearrange the clinic workflow taking in consideration many elements such as patients’ needs and setting type. Further areas suggested for future studies that can provide a broader understanding of factors influence ePRO.