Development and usability testing of an electronic patient-reported outcome measure (ePROM) system for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term medical condition associated with symptoms which may negatively impact on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures or questionnaires may be used to capture symptoms/HRQOL experienced by patients with advanced CKD.

Method
Two PRO questionnaires were electronically adapted and incorporated in an electronic system developed at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB), Birmingham. Usability testing was conducted with patients with advanced CKD. Qualitative methodology was used to elicit participants' views.

Results
Participants had a mean age of 64.3 years (range: 36–87 years). All owned electronic devices and had access to the internet. The mean time required to complete the two electronic questionnaires was 15.9 min (range = 8–34 min). Patients who had difficulties with the system were those who had the least experience of using the internet and electronic devices. The average usability and satisfaction score was 4.6 (5-point scale).

Conclusions
Our study suggests that individuals with advanced CKD may find the Renal ePROM system acceptable and easy to use. The use of the Renal ePROM may complement clinician-reported outcomes and assist with the management of patients with advanced CKD.