Interest in more holistic measurement of health outcomes in relation to patient care has surged across healthcare systems internationally. There is now wider use of standardised clinical outcome assessments (COAs)/Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) such as patient self-reported symptoms and functioning as primary or secondary clinical trial endpoints particularly in long-term conditions such multiple sclerosis. A similar trend is taking place in routine clinical practice. The unique nature of these so called ‘soft’ outcomes such as their subjectivity presents some challenges. Although much progress has been made in advancing the field - moving the assessment of COA and PROs to a science in its own right, a number of issues are still outstanding, which offers opportunities of mainstreaming the COA/PRO measure development process e.g. the use of modern test theory and the more active engagement of patients in the research process.

1) To develop understanding of integrated and streamlined approaches to COA/PRO measure development i.e. based on a unified framework for the development and application of the modern generation of PROs.
2) To provide a practical step by step guide on the development and application of new generation of PROs, based on best practice and extensive research.

clinical outcome assessments, COAs, Patient Reported Outcomes, PROs

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