Operating Room Nurses’ Knowledge of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Patient-Reported Experience Measures in Oncological Surgery

Abstract

Introduction. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) are key tools for assessing outcomes and patients’ perceptions of their healthcare experience. Operating room nurses play a central role throughout the surgical pathway; however, evidence regarding their knowledge and awareness of the potential clinical use of PROMs and PREMs in oncological surgery remains limited in Italy. The aim of this study was to assess operating room nurses’ knowledge of PROMs and PREMs in the perioperative oncology setting.

Methods. A descriptive observational study was conducted among 58 operating room nurses working in oncological surgery. Data were collected anonymously through an online questionnaire administered nationwide via Google Forms® in March 2026. The questionnaire included eight sociodemographic and professional questions and 21 items rated on a five-point Likert scale. Statistical and correlational analyses were performed using PSPP software, version 2.0.0.

Results. The mean questionnaire score was 2.35 ± 0.58, indicating an overall limited level of knowledge regarding PROMs and PREMs among the participating operating room nurses.

Discussion. Specific training in PROMs and PREMs was associated with higher theoretical knowledge (r = 0.453; p < 0.001). Theoretical knowledge was also positively correlated with nurses’ perception of their role in the use of PROMs and PREMs (r = 0.451; p < 0.001), suggesting that even basic knowledge may improve awareness and attitudes toward their implementation. Higher educational levels were associated with greater knowledge (ρ = 0.34; p = 0.009), while the presence of structured organizational procedures incorporating PROMs and PREMs showed an even stronger association (ρ = 0.53; p < 0.001). Overall, the findings highlight the need for structured educational programmes and organizational strategies to facilitate the integration of PROMs and PREMs into perioperative oncology practice.