18/09/2025
What are PROMs and why do they matter?
Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) collect information directly from patients about the effects of osteopathic care, from symptom relief to daily living and overall satisfaction.
A pilot study of 1,721 patients, using an app funded using a grant from the Institute of Osteopathy, and the board of the National Council for Osteopathic Research (NCOR) showed:
- Rapid Improvement: 89.1% of patients reported improvement within one week of their first treatment.
- Sustained Recovery: By six weeks, this figure rose to 92.8%, with 74.4% feeling 'much improved' or 'completely recovered'.
- High Patient Satisfaction: 90.8% of patients were 'very satisfied' with their care at one week, and 88.1% remained 'very satisfied' at six weeks.
- Excellent Patient Experience: 94.4% of patients rated their care experience as 'very good' at one week, and 93.5% still felt this way at six weeks.
- Significant Clinical Change: Patients experienced a 56.8% average positive change in their symptoms and quality of life, as measured by the Bournemouth Questionnaire.
PROMs are more than numbers, they build evidence, support dialogue with governments and regulators, and help demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of osteopathy.
Research reference: Fawkes, C. and Carnes, D. (2021). Patient reported outcomes in a large cohort of patients receiving osteopathic care in the United Kingdom. PLOS ONE, 16(4), p.e0249719. doi: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0249719
For member organisations, PROMs are a chance to engage in research, inform policy, and advocate for regulation, ensuring osteopathy continues to deliver patient-centred care and professional excellence across Europe.