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

• Published in: Prosthetics and orthotics international Vol. 42; no. 1; pp. 50 - 55
• Main Authors: Melis-Schrijver, Lisette Marjon, den Hollander-Ardon, Monique S, Janssen, Wim GM, van der Veen, Ruud
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01-02-2018
• Subjects: Rehabilitation of amputees; rehabilitation; rehabilitation of prostheses and orthoses users; use of information technology in rehabilitation; qualitative methods
• ISSN: 0309-3646; 1746-1553
• DOI: 10.1177/0309364617744082

Background and aim:
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.
Technique:
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.
Discussion:
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.