The Rise of PROMIS in Orthopedic Care: A Fresh Look

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, or PROMIS, is a set of tools designed to evaluate how a person feels and functions in their daily life. These tools cover physical, mental, and social health aspects. They are useful for a wide range of conditions. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the use of PROMIS measures in orthopedic fields. However, detailed information on how these measures are being used in orthopedics from 2018 to 2022 has been scarce. A recent study aimed to fill this gap by examining how often and in what ways PROMIS measures are used in orthopedic research and practice. The findings revealed that PROMIS measures are being used across various orthopedic specialties. For instance, 27% of the studies focused on spine issues, while 21% looked at hand, shoulder, and elbow conditions. Other areas like arthroplasty, foot/ankle, and sports medicine also saw significant use of these measures. The most frequently used PROMIS measures in orthopedics were those assessing physical function, pain interference, and depression. This makes sense, as these are key areas of concern for patients undergoing orthopedic treatments. The study identified 699 published studies that included 1, 835 instances of PROMIS measures. This shows a growing trend in the adoption of PROMIS tools in orthopedic research and practice. So, why is this important? PROMIS measures offer a standardized way to capture patient-reported outcomes. This can lead to more consistent and reliable data, which is crucial for improving patient care. As the use of PROMIS measures continues to grow, it is expected that they will become even more integral to both medical and surgical specialties. This shift could lead to better patient outcomes and more personalized care. However, it is also important to consider the challenges. While PROMIS measures are efficient and precise, they are not without limitations. For example, they rely on patient self-reporting, which can be subjective. Additionally, the tools may not capture all aspects of a patient's experience. Therefore, while PROMIS measures are valuable, they should be used alongside other assessment methods to get a complete picture of a patient's health.