Because not all features of an ePRO report are desired or needed in each context of use, tailoring content to context ensures that reports present relevant information without unnecessary visual clutter, thereby increasing report utility. Allowing users to dynamically tailor ePRO reports to their own needs, rather than relying on default settings that may not fit every user, also reduces the cognitive load associated with interpreting PRO data.
Clinical context factors to consider in customization options might include the health concerns addressed by the PRO assessment, the clinical domain, the clinical setting, patient characteristics, and provider preferences. Even within one provider’s practice, the desired PROs and ePRO report presentation may not be static but subject to the conditions they treat and their purpose for viewing the PROs. Because of this, flexibility to select options to tailor the report to the context is an important aspect of customizing ePRO reports. The following are means to enhance ePRO reporting through customization:
- tailoring dashboard views (e.g., the ability to switch to tab or storyboard view; see Organize Visualizations for more detail)
- aligning to the provider’s preferred visualization type (e.g., bar chart or line graph)
- allowing the addition of visit notes or clinical markers to PRO tables and graphics
- subordinating or hiding ePRO reporting content that is not directly relevant to the context
- zooming in/out to view shorter or longer periods of time
- altering the time intervals displayed
Quote from Provider Interviews:
“What actually would be helpful is that you could toggle the amount of time that you’re looking at so your X axis could vary so you could have every score you’ve ever had going back to when I originally diagnosed you…versus let’s look at the last year versus let’s look at the last six months. Being able to zoom in and out as you needed to.”
For additional insight on how to encourage customization that enhances usability, see Recommended Resources related to: