To collect data in your practice using the PROM app you need a set of codes to give to your patients. Please contact Carol Fawkes (c.fawkes@qmul.ac.uk) so these can be created for your practice and sent to you with an information pack.
Many osteopaths have joined the PROM community since data collection began in 2017. The size of the dataset is growing and this provides evidence about osteopathic care.
Using the PROM app in your practice
The system has been developed to ensure that there is minimal additional work for the osteopath/practice staff. The way the process works can be seen here.
You can view an animation that tells you more about the PROMs process by clicking here:
Is the PROM app just for adults?
There are two versions of the app. One is for adults to complete, and one is for completion by parents/guardians about their child. The app allows you to select an option and takes you automatically to the appropriate questionnaire.
What do I need to do?
To collect data in your practice using the PROM app you need a set of codes to give to your patients. Please contact Carol Fawkes (c.fawkes@qmul.ac.uk) so these can be created for your practice and sent to you with an information pack.
The link to the PROM data collection app can be found by clicking here. This will bring up options to allow your patient to:
- Complete the questionnaire using your laptop or desktop computer (web app);
- Download the app onto a mobile phone (if you are not sure what sort of phone you have see our advice page on mobile phones). If you are not sure how to download the app onto your phone see our explanation.
- Download the app onto an Android tablet.
How long does this take and what information is recorded?
Data are collected in three stages:
- Baseline questionnaire including some demographic data, and completion of the Bournemouth questionnaire for adults, and a different measure of outcome for children;
- One week follow up including completion of the Bournemouth questionnaire for adults, and a different measure of outcome for children, a patient satisfaction measure, the patient’s global impression of change, and a patient experience measure;
- Six week follow up. This final questionnaire includes the Bournemouth questionnaire for adults, and a different measure of outcome for children, a patient satisfaction measure, a patient experience measure, the patient’s global impression of change.
The process takes between 5-10 minutes.
If you would like to see the questions in the app here are some illustrative screens from our PROM app
Here are some illustrative screens from our PROM app:
Covid 19 and osteopathic practice
We have been contacted by a number of osteopaths who have reported patients presenting with a range of lasting symptoms after they have recovered from the Covid 19 virus. We would like to capture more information from these patients and have included an additional question in the app about this. We have created a poster which is available for display in your practice and can be downloaded here:
Information for patients
There is a specific page for patients. This provides patients with information about the app, answers any questions they might have, and gives them contact details for help if they require it.
What information do I get back?
Summary data reports will be produced periodically (after a minimum of 15 completed datasets have been submitted) which will provide information for individual practices/practitioners. This will allow you to compare your own practice to a national picture. A copy of the national report can be found here.
Further information
You may have further questions about the process. Some of these will be covered in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section. Alternatively, you can contact the project lead, Carol Fawkes by email (c.fawkes@qmul.ac.uk) or telephone (07494059509).
Frequently Asked Questions about data collection
Why are osteopaths collecting data PROM data?
The National Council for Osteopathic Research (NCOR) is developing a system to collect PROM data directly from patients. This is being achieved using either a computer (web app) or using a mobile phone (mobile app). This is a new innovation in osteopathic care and this study has received ethical review from the ethics committee at Barts and The London Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry.
Background to the development of the PROM app.
During the early months of 2014, osteopaths were asked to invite their patients to participate in either focus groups or individual interviews as we wanted to learn more about patients’ views about using Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) when they visited an osteopath for treatment. Further information about the development process can be found here.
Is my patients’ data secure?
The online system and web app have been developed by Clinvivo Ltd, a University of Warwick spin-out company specialising in data capture. The system has been extensively tested. All data are anonymised and encrypted. All data are held on a secure server with the company which has created the app.
Will my data be sold or used for commercial purposes?
The National Council for Osteopathic Research (NCOR) will not sell or use data collected using the PROM app for any commercial purposes.