From: Methodological considerations in using patient reported measures in dialysis clinics
 | Resources Needed | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
In-Clinic | |||
 Self Admin. | • Personnel to supervise and assist • Space • Personnel for data entry | • Low-technology requirements • Implemented in any clinical setting • Relatively low cost | • Problem with low literacy patients & visual handicap • Difficult with other special populations (e.g., very young, very old) • Higher rate of missing data |
 Interview Admin. | • Skilled interviewer • Space • Personnel for data entry | • More personal • In-depth questioning • No issues with literacy and/or visual handicap | • Relatively expensive • Social desirability bias • Staff time |
 Computer Admin. | • Personnel to supervise and assist • Software to collect & report data | • Efficient data capture and entry | • Problems finding space/providing privacy • Costs to obtain & maintain PRM system • Potential software problems |
 Self Admin. | • Personnel to manage mailing • Personnel for data entry | • Low-technology requirements • Potentially simpler logistics than in-clinic administration • Relatively low cost | • High non-response rate • Cannot ensure patient completes questionnaire alone • Hard to respond immediately to patient needs • Challenges scheduling assessment near clinical visit • Other limitations similar to Self-Administered In-Clinic |
Telephone | |||
 Interview Admin. | • Skilled interviewer • Personnel for data entry | • More personal • More convenient for patient • Largely circumvents literacy problem and/or visual handicap | • Lack of visual cues as compared to face-to-face • Relatively expensive • Potential problem with social desirability • Some topics may be more difficult to address |
 Voice Activated | • Personnel to oversee data collection • Validated interactive voice response (IVR) system | • Low cost due to automation | • May not be accepted by patients • Costs to obtain & maintain IVR system • Requires process to track and respond to any urgent problem reported by patients • Other disadvantages similar to Live Telephone Interview, plus impersonal nature |
Web-Based | • Systems management personnel • Software to collect and report the PRO data • Training patients | • Efficient data capture with simultaneous data entry • Convenient for patient • Flexible timing for data collection | • Difficult to ensure privacy • Upfront costs for the PRO system and maintenance • Potential software problems |