Aboriginal people have shared their views about patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with Aboriginal staff who have already implemented the Patient Reported Measures (PRMs) Program.
This feedback informs these frequently asked questions and supports health professionals to explain PROMs clearly and in culturally safe ways.
How is my information used?
Your answers help us understand your health and what matters most to you. We use this information to plan care that supports you.
Sometimes we combine your information with others to help improve services for people and communities across NSW Health. When we do this, we remove names and details so you cannot be identified.
Is this for research?
This is mainly about supporting your care. Your answers go into your health record so your care team can better understand your needs.
Sometimes information with your name taken out is used to improve services. If your information is ever used for research, it must be approved by an ethics committee to protect you.
Why don’t the surveys cover everything that matters to me like healing, connection and wellbeing?
The survey is a starting point. What matters most is the yarn we have after you complete it. That’s your time to talk about healing, connection, wellbeing and anything else that’s important to you. We use this yarn to shape your care.
I’m tired of surveys. Why do I need to do this?
I understand. Being asked to fill out surveys can feel tiring.
What’s important is the yarn we have after. The PROM helps start that yarn about your health and what matters to you, so we can make sure your care truly fits your needs.
Why are you asking me questions?
We ask these questions to understand your health now and where you want it to be. Your answers help us support you to stay healthy, pick up any problems early and plan care together. They also show us what’s getting in the way of your health goals, so we can work together on the best plan.
Will I be compared to other people?
No. The answers that you share and that identify you are not compared to anyone else. Sometimes we combine information with others to get a bigger picture to improve services for Aboriginal people and communities. But your personal details are removed. The focus is always on your health and care.
Who will see my information?
Your information is stored securely on an NSW Health platform and used by your healthcare team to support your care.
What will happen to the information I share with you?
We use your answers to understand your health, support your goals and plan next steps with you. My role is to use this information to support you as best I can and make sure it leads to action, not just questions.