NSW Health nurses, clinicians and patient-reported measures (PRMs) experts share their insights and experiences in this spotlight based on an ACI-hosted roundtable discussion. Learn how digital patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are being incorporated into clinical care, and how practical actions can strengthen their adoption by clinicians.
Nursing and medical workforce in NSW
Clinicians working in diverse specialties and clinical settings across NSW play a significant role in ensuring that patient needs and experiences inform clinical decision making. Digital PROMs are being increasingly used by services to support this work.
PROMs provide patients with a structured way to describe how their health affects their daily life, including symptoms, emotional wellbeing and care goals.
As adoption grows, there is an opportunity to further strengthen how PROMs are integrated into clinical workflows and generate insights to inform care.
Embedding PROMs in clinical practice
Across NSW, digital PROMs are becoming more routinely incorporated into nursing and medical practice. PROMs provide a structured view of patient needs and support more focused conversations about what matters most.
- Strengthening clinical conversations: PROMs can highlight symptoms or concerns that may not emerge through traditional assessment, supporting more informed discussions and a shared understanding within nursing and medical care.
- Integrating PROMs into team processes: Many services now review PROMs during huddles, multidisciplinary discussions and clinical reviews, helping embed their use and ensuring results are considered alongside other clinical information.
- Providing flexible completion options: Digital tools such as tablets, SMS and email-linked surveys are widely used, while paper-based options remain important for patients who require additional support.
- Enhancing understanding of the patient experience: PROMs contribute to a more comprehensive view of the patient’s lived experience, reinforcing their value in high quality care.
Barbara's story
This consumer story provides a real-life example on how PROMs results can reveal important aspects of patient care and prompt timely follow-up specific to diabetes care.
Addressing challenges in PROMs implementation
Several factors continue to shape how effectively PROMs are embedded in nursing and medical practice. Addressing these challenges requires clear processes, strong communication and adaptable approaches that support both clinicians and patients.
Competing clinical demands and busy environments can limit the capacity of teams to adopt new processes. Establishing clear pathways for reviewing and acting on PROMs results helps ensure they are recognised as a meaningful part of care rather than an additional task.
Early perceptions of PROMs can also influence engagement. In settings where PROMs were initially viewed as administrative, clinicians reported that understanding their clinical value – particularly their role in highlighting under-reported symptoms and supporting person-centred conversations – played a key role in strengthening uptake.
Accessibility considerations remain essential. Patients vary in digital literacy, language needs and comfort with technology. Offering flexible completion methods and supported approaches helps ensure all patients can participate meaningfully.
Helpful tips for other services
Make PROMs part of everyday care
Integrate PROMs review into routine conversations, team discussions and clinical reviews. Embedding PROMs within existing workflows supports sustainability and reinforces their clinical relevance.
Design for sustainability
Establish clear processes, consistent education resources and visible data reporting. This helps ensure that PROMs use is not dependent on individual champions.
Engage patients and carers meaningfully
Provide accessible ways to complete PROMS and involve patients and carers in shaping workflows. Participation and trust increase when patients see their input influencing care decisions.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the following people who contributed to the roundtable discussion that formed the basis of this spotlight. The conversation was guided by the 5D Cycle of Appreciative Inquiry, a cyclical process for change and problem-solving that focuses on strengths and positive experience.
Becky Walsh, PRM Lead, SESLHD
Dr Emmanuel Karantanis, Obstetrician and Urogynecologist, SESLHD
Janelle Baylis, Emergency Care & Aged Services, WNSWLHD
Kiah Fleming, Nurse Manager, NSLHD
Leah Aitken, Heart Failure CNC, ISLHD
Leah Crow, Eastern Team Nurse Manager, Aged Care Services, WNSWLHD
Melissa Murphy, Trauma & Injury Management, SWSLHD
Michelle Kriss, Community Diabetes Service Manager, Integrated Care Services- Hunter and Lower Mid North Coast.
Dr Sarah So, Nephrologist and Palliative Medicine Physician, NBMLHD