Feasibility of implementing a codesigned patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) collection system for older adults in acute and sub-acute hospital settings

Purpose: To test the feasibility of a co-designed PROMs collection system for hospitalised older adults. Methods: A mixed-methods feasibility study was conducted sequentially across one acute and one sub-acute ward, over a 12-week period. Patients aged ≥ 60 years who discharged from hospital were eligible. The EQ-5D-5L with added items on fatigue and cognition was administered on discharge and at 3–6 months post-discharge. Administration was by either a research assistant or volunteer using a variety of modes (tablet computer, phone, SMS). Feasibility was evaluated using a feasibility framework to capture demand, implementation, practicality, and acceptability. Descriptive statistics were applied. Interviews were conducted with volunteers and analysed using deductive content analysis. Results: Completion rates indicated high demand (discharge = 84%, n = 110/131; follow-up = 81%, n = 90/110). At discharge, most completed PROMs on the tablet (57%) and 9% were administered by a volunteer. Most required assistance using the tablet (67%) and the average time to administer PROMs was longest for the tablet (17.9 min, SD = 3.3), followed by phone (8.8 min, SD = 4.4) and SMS (1.3 min, SD = 0.5). Fewer participants reported acceptability with using the tablet (61%) compared to SMS (100%). At follow-up, most completed PROMs on the phone (82%) and the average time to administer PROMs was less than discharge (4.9 vs. 13.4 min). Volunteers reported administering PROMs to unwell patients was challenging. Conclusion: A co-designed PROMs collection system demonstrated feasibility in hospitalised older adults with phone and SMS having greatest acceptability. Administration of PROMs by volunteers was not feasible. Trial registration: ACTRN12623000576628. Registered 25 May 2023.