Using Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROMs & PREMs) in NHS-Commissioned Services
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Patient-reported outcomes and experience measures are now firmly on the NHS radar. Commissioners increasingly expect providers to demonstrate not just clinical or operational outcomes, but how people experience services and whether support genuinely improves their day-to-day lives.
PROMs (Patient-Reported Outcome Measures) and PREMs (Patient-Reported Experience Measures) offer structured ways to capture this insight — but only when used sensibly.
This topic links closely with making safeguarding personal and recording and evidencing person-centred care.
What PROMs and PREMs actually measure
PROMs focus on outcomes from the person’s perspective, such as:
- Perceived improvement in health or functioning
- Confidence and independence
- Ability to manage daily activities
PREMs focus on experience, including:
- Feeling listened to
- Clarity of communication
- Dignity and respect
Why commissioners value patient-reported data
Commissioners use PROMs and PREMs to:
- Validate quantitative outcome data
- Understand variation in experience
- Identify emerging quality risks
They are particularly valuable where clinical outcomes alone do not capture impact.
Using PROMs proportionately
Effective providers avoid over-surveying. Good practice includes:
- Using short, relevant tools
- Timing surveys appropriately
- Adapting formats for accessibility
Quality matters more than volume.
Interpreting and using the data
Commissioners expect providers to explain:
- What the data shows
- What has changed over time
- What actions have followed
Raw scores without interpretation add limited value.
Embedding PROMs into service delivery
Strong services integrate PROMs into:
- Reviews and reassessments
- Supervision discussions
- Quality improvement planning
This ensures patient voice informs practice.
What commissioners look for
Commissioners value PROMs and PREMs that are:
- Relevant to the service
- Consistently collected
- Used to drive improvement
They are assurance tools, not tick-box exercises.
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