Physician Spotlight: Optimizing PRO Compliance with Dr. Brett Crist, MU Health Care

Key Takeaways

• 98% Compliance Rate: Dr. Crist has achieved an impressive 98% patient compliance rate with Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs).

• Team Collaboration: The entire MU Health Care team supports Dr. Crist's PRO patient compliance, ensuring seamless integration into his daily practice.

• Patient-Centered Care: Dr. Crist reviews PROs before and during consultations, using them to guide discussions and decision-making with patients.

At MU Health Care, Dr. Brett Crist is recognized not only for his clinical expertise but also for his commitment toward incorporating Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) into his daily practice. His dedication to leveraging PROs ensures that his patients receive personalized, data-driven care, making him a true PRO best practice physician.

A Team Effort at MU Health
Dr. Crist’s success with PROs is not a solo achievement—it’s a testament to the collaborative initiative involving the entire MU Health team. From the moment a patient enters the orthopedic clinic, they are met with a coordinated effort to prioritize patient outcomes. 

Here’s a high-level look at the MU Health Care approach to optimizing compliance with PROs:

• Incorporate PROs at the point of check-in: Patient representatives play a crucial role in ensuring PROs are completed. At check-in, patient representatives look to see if the patient has any outstanding PROs. If there are outstanding PROs, the patient is provided with a tablet to finish them prior to being brought back to their exam room. 

• Evaluate PROs prior to examination: Dr. Crist reviews the patient’s PROs before entering into the exam room, ensuring all necessary information is complete and gaining valuable insights into the patient’s health and recovery. This proactive approach allows him to tailor his consultations to each patient's unique needs.

• Incorporate PROs at the point of care: For Dr. Crist, PROs are more than just data points; they are conversation starters. Dr. Crist accesses the patient’s PROs directly within the patient chart and uses them as a guide for the patient visit. 

  By discussing PROs with his patients at the point of care, he can explain the reasoning behind certain treatment decisions or provide context about their progress. For instance, he might show a patient how their pain levels six months post-surgery compare with those of other patients who underwent the same procedure. This not only helps in setting realistic expectations but also strengthens the trust between Dr. Crist and his patients.

Dr. Crist notes, "PatientIQ allows me to communicate with patients and see how they’re progressing through their history updates and PROMs. We can review how they’re improving using graphical comparisons from previous visits.”

This powerful tool has become integral to his practice, allowing for continuous patient engagement and informed decision-making. The MU Health Care approach has been so impactful, in fact, that 98% of Dr. Crist’s patients comply with their assigned PROs.

Maria Luisa Suzzarini, MD, IBCLC, Patient Outcomes Manager at MU Health Care plays an instrumental role in supporting Dr. Crist and team in prioritizing patient outcomes data and creating a culture of PROs. 

“It is amazing to be part of the MU Health Care team and to work with PatientIQ,” said Dr. Suzzarini. “I am excited to help Dr. Crist improve the collection and measurement of patient self-reported pain and functional status before and after surgery by collecting data directly from patients without added interpretation. This approach allows for discussions and comparisons of their status and progress at each visit, enabling patients to better understand their progress and enhancing evidence-based patient care.”

Educating the Next Generation
Beyond patient care, Dr. Crist is committed to educating the next generation of physicians. He uses PROs not only in his publications but also as a teaching tool for residents and fellows. 

By demonstrating the value of PROs in real-world practice, he is training future doctors to incorporate these outcomes into their care routines, ensuring that the benefits of PROs continue to be realized across the medical field.

Dr. Crist’s approach to patient care at MU Health Care is a model of how PROs can be effectively integrated into daily practice. With the support of the MU Health Care team, his commitment to patient compliance and engagement is evident in his impressive 98% compliance rate. By prioritizing PROs, Dr. Crist ensures that his patients receive the highest standard of care, guided by their own reported outcomes and experiences.