Use of patient-reported outcome measures in everyday clinical practice in ophthalmology: results of a European multicountry survey

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) reflect patients’ abilities, difficulties and perceptions, but their use in ophthalmic care in Europe is unclear. We conducted a cross-sectional electronic survey among ophthalmologists in the UK, Germany and Switzerland to assess PROM use in routine care, their perceived value and implementation barriers. Only 31% of 112 respondents reported using PROMs, mostly in cataract care, with no differences across countries or clinical settings. Strikingly, perceived usefulness did not predict adoption. Reported barriers included staff and patient burden and uncertainty about instrument choice. To promote routine use of PROMs in ophthalmology, system-level integration and support are needed.