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PROMs are surveys, given to you — either on paper or electronically — by your orthopedic surgery team before your clinic visit.

In these surveys you answer questions about your health, such as whether you are having pain, if you are having trouble with mobility (moving around), or how symptoms affect your daily life. They give your doctor information beyond medical tests or scans by showing how your condition impacts you personally.

• PROMs ensure that your individual voice is heard by your orthopedic surgery team, giving you a direct way to share how you’re feeling and functioning. 
• They help guide treatment decisions by providing your care team with valuable insight into your unique symptoms and daily challenges. 
• They also track your progress over time, showing how your condition changes and how well treatments are working. 
• Ultimately, PROMs help improve your overall orthopedic surgery care by allowing your surgeon to understand what matters most to you.

Yes. Your responses help your orthopedic surgeon tailor your care to your unique needs.

For example, if PROMs show you are struggling with sleep or stair-climbing in your home due to your musculoskeletal pain, your care team may adjust your treatment plan to address that issue surrounding your upcoming surgery.

Only your healthcare team sees your PROMs. Your answers are private, secure, and used only to support your orthopedic care unless you give permission for them to be used in research.  

Most PROMs take just 5 to 10 minutes to complete. They are designed to be short, straightforward, and easy to understand.

You may be asked to complete PROMs:

• Before your appointment
• After a surgery or procedure
• At times during recovery

This helps your orthopedic surgeon track changes over time and see how well treatments are working.

Studies show that PROMs improve communication between patients and orthopedic surgeons, help spot issues early, and allow for more personalized care. Over time, they also help your orthopedic care team to more accurately monitor how well your treatment is working and how well you are recovering.

Orthopedic surgery examples include:

• How much difficulty have you experienced bending or kneeling in the past week?
• Are you able to perform your usual daily activities without pain or discomfort?
• Over the last week, how often has pain interfered with your ability to work or do household tasks?

PROMs are quick questionnaires that give your orthopedic surgery team a clearer picture of how you’re doing. By sharing your experience, you help your care team make better decisions and ensure your treatment reflects what matters most to you.

Our new PROMs Orthopedic Surgery patient information sheets can help you understand how these short questionnaires support your care. 

• The fact sheet explains what PROMs are and why they matter
• The FAQ/conversation guide answers common patient questions and offers tips for discussing PROMs with your doctor
• The infographic shows in three simple steps how PROMs help your care team tailor treatment, track recovery, and improve communication 

Together, these resources make it easier for you to share what matters most to your health.