The use of patient reported outcome measures in routine cancer clinical care: results from a freedom of information request

Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are an effective method for monitoring cancer patients from diagnosis. We aimed to identify which NHS trusts in England are using PROMs in routine cancer care and for what purpose. A survey of PROM use in routine cancer care was sent to all NHS trusts in England providing cancer services using a freedom of information (FOI) request in May 2024. Responses were analysed descriptively. Survey response rate was 94%. PROMs were used routinely in cancer care in 20/112 (17.9%) trusts in a total of 74 settings. Use was limited to one setting in half the trusts. Electronic PROMs (ePROMs) alone were used in 49/74 (66.2%) settings, paper versions alone in 9/74 (12.2%) and both were on offer in 16/74 (21.5%) settings. Most settings (61.5%) collecting ePROMs used an in-house platform. At least one PROM was integrated into electronic health records in 9/20 trusts (45.0%). PROMs were used for: symptom monitoring (60/74, 81.1%), signposting to support services (14/74, 18.9%), follow up (13/74, 17.6%), and to evaluate progress (12/74, 16.2%). Most commonly, in house questionnaires were used (52/74, 70.3%). Across the 20/74 settings (27.0%) using validated PROMs, 26 different tools were in use. Routine use of PROMs in cancer care is not on offer to most patients in England. A national policy is lacking so NHS trusts should develop their own strategies.