An Overview of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) for Assessing Chronic Low Back Pain Patients

Abstract

This study aimed to demonstrate the relevance of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures to the assessment of chronic low back pain. A literature search was conducted to find all relevant articles regarding the PROMIS domains of pain impact, behavior, interference, quality, and intensity, as well as the other PROMIS domains of sleep disturbance, fatigue, satisfaction with social roles, anxiety, depression, and physical function. Findings were compiled. Although few measures assessed low back pain specifically, all were found reliable and valid, and useful for a wide variety of other populations. The PROMIS has several advantages over other “legacy” measures, including generalizability, comparability, ease of access and use, having a wide range of methodologies to utilize in assessment, and free availability to the public. Having the PROMIS available at no additional cost will help further research by making it more accessible.