Socioeconomic deprivation and age are barriers to the online collection of patient reported outcome measures in orthopaedic patients

Jenkins, P., Sng, S., Brooksbank, K. and Brooksbank, A.J. (2016) Socioeconomic deprivation and age are barriers to the online collection of patient reported outcome measures in orthopaedic patients. Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 98(1), pp. 40-44. (doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2016.0007) (PMID:26688398) (PMCID:PMC5234380)

Abstract

Introduction: Questionnaires are used commonly to assess functional outcome and satisfaction in surgical patients. Although these have in the past been administered through written forms, there is increasing interest in the use of new technology to improve the efficiency of collection. The aim of this study was to assess the availability of internet access for a group of orthopaedic patients and the acceptability of online survey completion. Methods: A total of 497 patients attending orthopaedic outpatient clinics were surveyed to assess access to the internet and their preferred means for completing follow-up questionnaires. Results: Overall, 358 patients (72%) reported having internet access. Lack of access was associated with socioeconomic deprivation and older age. Multivariable regression confirmed increased age and greater deprivation to be independently associated with lack of internet access. Out of the total group, 198 (40%) indicated a preference for assessment of outcomes via email and the internet. Conclusions: Internet access was not universal among the patients in our orthopaedic clinic. Reliance on internet collection of PROMs may introduce bias by not including results from patients in older age groups and those from the more deprived socioeconomic groups.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Brooksbank, Dr Katriona and Jenkins, Mr Paul
• Authors: Jenkins, P., Sng, S., Brooksbank, K., and Brooksbank, A.J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
• Publisher: Royal College of Surgeons of England
• ISSN: 0035-8843
• ISSN (Online): 1478-7083
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 Royal College of Surgeons
• First Published: First published in Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England 98(1): 40-44
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy