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characteristics [ 41 ]. Considering publications on this topic, a similar number of
systems is expectable in rheumatology. As evaluation data is not available for all
systems, their number might even be underestimated in a meta-analyses.
ePROMs Application Systems and Device Aspects
Due to the rise in connectivity and the applicable devices, the range of times and
locations where patients can complete assessments (e.g., at home, waiting room, or
drug store/pharmacy kiosks, or use of their smartphone/tablet) has been enlarged
[ 5 ]. There are different electronic devices that can assist gathering ePROMs: tradi-
tional computers, tablet PCs, smartphones, and online platforms.
Computer/Web-based documentation software-systems allow the collection and
documentation of self-reported ePROMs data and/or physicians’ clinical fi ndings
(e.g., http://www.raintreeinc.com/rheumatology-emr/ and http://dgrh.de/rheu-
maedv.html ) [ 44 ]. Some German outpatient clinics and rheumatologists in private
practices also use computer/Web-based documentation software -systems, such as
ARDIS, DocuMed.rh, and RheumaDok, that allow linkage to EHRs and/or software
systems in outpatient clinics and private practices [ 55 ]. Schacher et al. examined the
usability of these three systems, concluding that they provide valid data with better
data quality than the paper versions [ 56 ]. Additionally, documentation software sys-
tems bear the potential to support tight-control concepts.
There is an upcoming use of ePROMs and their related applications on mobile
electronic devices such as tablet PCs or smartphones [ 35 , 37 , 57 ]. These devices are
nowadays widely spread and highly valued by individuals, usually remain turned on
and are kept with the owner during the whole day; hence, they offer the opportunity
of using medical applications as electronic diaries in real-life contexts [ 58 ]. mHealth
mobile software programs, known as applications (“apps”) on smartphones and
other wireless devices, rely on the advantages of being personal, intuitive, user
friendly, and portable [ 57 , 59 ]. Thus, ePROM assessment by mHealth apps can
become more convenient to the technically equipped patients and liberate them
from fi lling out questionnaires at the physician visit [ 17 , 47 ]. This becomes even
more important as today’s digital natives will be the rheumatology patients of
tomorrow, and consequently, it is important to start developments of such useful
applications as soon as possible [ 57 ].
The use of mobile electronic devices, such as tablet PCs, simplifi es data acquisi-
tion at the time and location of clinical decision making and its use has been evalu-
ated positively in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),
and spondyloarthritis (SpA) [ 33 ]. Thus, mobile-accessed ePROMs are a good and
capable option in routine patient care [ 33 ]. Meanwhile, further supplementary apps
running on tablet PCs also allow patients direct data entry in the waiting rooms
(e.g., ScoreCheck ® Rheuma, see https://www.grandcentrix.net/portfolio/roche-
pharma- patientenberatung/ ). The linkage to existing patient documentation systems
is enabled.
J. Richter et al.