What is needed by staff to implement PROMs into routine oncology care? A qualitative study with the multi‐disciplinary team

Introduction The aim of this study was to identify strategies to implement patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) into routine oncology outpatients' clinical care. Methods Qualitative focus groups were conducted with staff from multiple disciplines using a semistructured interview guide, with supporting data collected in field notes. Data were analysed using a Directed Content Analysis guided by an implementation science framework. The synthesis of the extracted data aimed to identify key requirements which correspond to intrinsic enablers and barriers for implementation. Results 52 staff members from the multi‐disciplinary team participated. Data extracted showed five key themes and three key requirements regarding implementation of PROMs. Staff would consider using PROMs if there was strong research evidence that demonstrates benefits for patient outcomes, if PROM data was relevant to current clinical practice, and if applied appropriately in the specific setting. These findings add pragmatic detail and new knowledge to the current evidence on pathways to PROM implementation. This data can be used to inform implementation of PROMs into health services. Conclusion Staff have valuable tacit knowledge of what works in practice that offers a unique opportunity to increase successful implementation of a PROM intervention for patient symptom reporting.