Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are information about your health that comes directly from you. This information is different from a lab test, scan, or a clinician’s observation. PROs can provide information about how you feel, how you function, and how your condition or treatment affects everyday life.
Your care team may ask you to complete PRO questionnaires in the clinic or at home. The questionnaires may be on paper, online, or collected by telephone. Most take only a few minutes.
PROs can measure:
Symptoms such as pain, fatigue, or nausea
Physical functioning such as the ability to walk or climb stairs
Emotional well-being such as mood or anxiety
Your overall quality of life
Some PRO questionnaires are specific to certain health conditions, while others apply to many health situations. They are developed and tested by experts to be clear and accurate.