Implementation of PROMIS® in an Optometry Clinic.

Purpose: The full utility of general health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System^® (PROMIS) surveys in the eye care setting has not been previously demonstrated. This report demonstrates the feasibility of implementing PROMIS in an eye care clinic.

Patients and methods: Over 2 months, general health and functioning PROMIS surveys were offered to all patients in an optometric clinic in Rochester, NY. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded along with percent completion and time to completion of the survey.

Results: Across 651 patients, 258 chose to attempt PROMIS. Patients with low visual acuity were less likely to attempt the survey (p=0.049), and younger patients were more likely to complete the survey (p=0.025); no other patient characteristics were found to differ between those who did and did not participate in, nor complete, PROMIS. A total of 193 patients completed the survey (74.8%) in a mean time of 6.36 minutes (range = [1.43, 51.92] minutes; standard deviation = 5.62 minutes). Time to completion did not vary significantly across any groups.

Conclusion: Our relatively high completion rate among those who attempted PROMIS indicates that PROMIS surveys are feasible to implement in an optometry clinic. While most patients completed the survey in little time, the large range of time to completion may indicate that some patients had difficulty completing the survey. Furthermore, the significant difference in visual acuity between those who participated in the survey and those who did not highlights the need to address the way PROMIS is delivered in order to foster greater inclusion.