Understanding PROMIS

Patient reported outcomes (PROs) are becoming increasingly emphasized in health care. Some medical and orthopedic specialties have 1 or 2 primary PROs that are used across the discipline, whereas hand surgery has multiple PROs. The multitude of PROs gives hand surgeons flexibility because each provides slightly different information, but the number of options can present a daunting task when choosing which to use. The latest generation of PROs leverages computer adaptive testing and includes assessments of physical, mental, and social health. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System was funded by the National Institutes of Health to include a comprehensive set of health instruments that are not disease-specific; it has undergone several forms of validation and has been found to be comparable across medical specialties. This article discusses the details of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, how it compares with other outcomes instruments, and how it can be used in practice.