In 2009, the English NHS began collecting patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for four elective procedures. Using a series of structured questions that ask patients about their health from their point of view, PROMs are intended to enable the patient perspective to inform decision-making at all levels of the NHS.

This publication is a clearly written, comprehensive review of the practical issues involved in creating reliable PROMs, in presenting results both accurately and in usable formats, and in applying them in making choices. The review includes a primer on PROMs and a summary of insights from the private sector’s (Bupa) experience with using PROMs under a program initiated in 1998.