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Patients Assess Their Progress

Patient reported outcome (ePRO) is an extremely important new concept in patient care. It is based on the premise that patients should take an active role in their health care. At the MBDC, we have created a new PRO for IBS patients. Patients first create their own secure log-in page and complete some questionnaires in the office. Thereafter, they complete two brief questionnaires on their own computer every few weeks. One questionnaire addresses symptom severity while the other one assesses psychological and relationship issues. Results are automatically summed and placed on a graph which is then reviewed at the time of the office visit. This has proved extremely useful as a gauge of patient progress or lack of, and can lead to helpful changes in treatment.

We have now documented the effectiveness of this program in an article described in the Our Research section. In addition, we have created an app called ePRO which is now available on i-phone and will soon be available on the i-pad, in order to make the process more user-friendly for our patients.