Why Patient Reported Outcomes (PROMS) Are a Game Changer for Surgeons

In an era where healthcare is increasingly patient-centred, it’s more important than ever for surgeons to understand not just the clinical outcomes of their procedures, but how patients experience those outcomes. That’s where Patient Reported Outcome Measures — or PROMS — come into play.

For example, you have a patient, discharged her home post-surgery and see her for a 6-weeks follow up appointment. You are not aware of any events that would qualify for a “complication”. Nevertheless, the patient felt there were complications - at least in the patient’s eyes. PROMS give surgeons a window into the patient’s journey post-surgery, helping bridge the gap between surgical success and patient satisfaction. The best part? These tools don't just improve care, they protect your reputation, support compliance, and drive better long-term results.

What Are PROMS?

Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS) are outcomes captured by standardised, validated questionnaires that patients complete after their procedure (sometimes before) to report on their symptoms, functionality, pain levels, mental wellbeing, and overall satisfaction.

Unlike clinical metrics, which focus on clinical indicators, such as surgical site infections, return to theatre, DVT/PE or other complications, PROMS reflect how the patient actually feels and functions after treatment.

Why PROMS Are a Game Changer

Here’s why more and more surgeons are integrating PROMS into their practices:

1. Better Patient Engagement

PROMS provide a structured way to follow up with patients at key intervals, depending on the survey selected for your patient case. This shows patients that their recovery matters and that their voice is being heard. Patients prefer completing surveys at an appropriate time for them, in their own privacy, rather than answering a call at a time that is suboptimal when they do other things.

Patients who feel listened to are more likely to report higher satisfaction and remain loyal to their surgeon.

2. Early Detection of Issues

PROMS can help identify patients who are not recovering as expected. If a patient reports ongoing pain or poor function at 6 weeks, that data is flagged in your dashboard, allowing you to intervene early and adjust their care plan.

3. Improved Clinical Decision-Making

By gathering patient-centred data over time, you begin to spot trends. For example, if patients report better outcomes when using one surgical technique over another, that insight can guide your future clinical decisions.

PROMS give you long-term outcome visibility that you can’t get from intraoperative data alone.

4. Career Growth and Reputation Building

When you can demonstrate measurable patient outcomes, you strengthen your professional reputation. PROMS gives you credible, patient-reported data that highlights the quality of your care and your commitment to patient wellbeing.

Over time, this transparency builds trust with patients, peers, and hospitals alike, positioning you as a surgeon who values continuous improvement and evidence-based practice. It’s a powerful way to enhance your professional profile and support long-term career growth.

5. Supports Medico-Legal Protection

Accurate, time-stamped patient feedback provides another layer of documentation in your favour if any legal or complaint scenarios arise.

Demonstrating that you followed up, responded to concerns, and delivered satisfactory results (as reported by the patient) is a powerful addition to your records.

6. Simple to Implement with the Right Tools

Many surgeons avoid PROMS because they assume it means more admin. But platforms like SurgicalPerformance automate the process:
- Patients receive SMS surveys automatically
- Results are logged to your dashboard
- Responses are colour-coded for easy analysis

You don’t need to chase patients, process paper forms, or manually interpret the data, it’s all done for you using validated surveys.

The Long-Term Payoff

Surgeons who consistently collect and act on PROMS data tend to have:
- Higher patient satisfaction
- Lower reoperation rates
- Better clinical insights
- Stronger legal standing
- Better online reputations (because happier patients leave better reviews)

The long-term payoff is better care, smoother practice management, and more peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: PROMS are a Strategic Asset

PROMS aren’t just a compliance checkbox, they’re a strategic asset for surgeons who want to deliver exceptional care, achieve stronger patient relationships, and build more resilient practices.

With platforms like SurgicalPerformance, it’s easier than ever to make PROMS part of your workflow, without extra admin or complexity.

See the PROMS Dashboard in Action

Want to see how PROMS could work in your practice?
Watch our Demo Today and get a look at the intuitive dashboard surgeons around the world are using to improve care and outcomes.