by Uchenna N. Onyeachom
The Venous Patient Outcome Registry (VPOR), the firstever patient-centered online registry, was developed to assess patient outcomes and quality of life for the various treatments of venous disease by standardizing the collection and analysis of clinical information, patient trends and practice patterns by specialists nationwide. Since the launch in December, VPOR is already recruiting sites and patients from all regions of the United States.
VPOR aims to provide clear, impartial evidence on the effectiveness, benefits and harms of available treatment options for both patients and physicians. Aligning the needs of patients with the performance of physicians, VPOR will help to translate research findings into information that is useful to clinicians, policy makers, payers and regulators for better patient care.
Features
VPOR is a multi-modal registry with the ability to navigate from one treatment option to another. The registry currently collects data on three modules: varicose vein treatment, venous stenting and thrombectomy/lysis. VPOR is planning to launch two additional treatment modules on pelvic venous insufficiency and upper extremity DVT in 2014.
Patient Portal
Patients will receive an email or text message indicating that it is time to update their demographic profile or complete the QOL and follow-up information. When patients click on the link provided in the email or text message, they will be asked to login. This can be done directly from their mobile device or computer. Patients can participate independent of a physician.
Physician Portal
Physicians can enter procedure details for their patients and send follow-ups to the patient via email or text. Once the patient has completed the questionnaire, it will automatically link to the clinician’s record in the registry.
Functionality
• Our software is java script/browser compatible for Firefox, Safari, Chrome and Internet Explorer and can run on a PC, MAC, tablet, Android or iPad.
• Flat file data imports are acceptable and automated data imports from an EMR is possible through a secure web transfer.
• Ability to navigate from one procedure to another with one login.
• Real-time reporting tool with the ability to benchmark against national aggregate.
• Training video walkthrough (software simulation video to train all users). Benefits of Participation
• PQRS (Physician Quality Reporting System): Participating physicians can have data submitted on their behalf to CMS.
• Maintenance of Certification: The Board of Surgery has approved VPOR for part 4 MOC and Board of Radiology is in the process of approving the registry, with discussions ongoing with other specialty boards.
• Annual Reports: Participants of the registry will have access to publish semi- and annual reports.
The Need for Improved Patient Outcomes
With recent change in the healthcare environment thus shifting reimbursement from the flawed fee-for-service model of reimbursement to a fee-for-performance model, it is important to recognize that to be successful, we put the patient at the center of innovation and research through patient-generated data.
When patients take control of tracking their health issues, it has a positive impact on health outcomes since not it only empowers them as important members of the care team but also offloads some of the responsibility in a resourceconstrained environment, hence making the system more efficient for everyone.
Despite the medical advances of the past two decades, venous disease remains understudied and is severely underestimated for its effects on public health. Experts believe that at least 25 percent of the US and worldwide population suffer from venous disease. In fact, chronic venous diseases affect more than 20 percent of the adult population and are more prevalent than coronary artery disease, carotid artery and peripheral artery diseases combined. Additionally, acute venous thromboembolism is the cause of more than 100,000 deaths in the US each year. Still, the care for these conditions is not standardized. Since the Venous Patient Outcome Registry (VPOR) incorporates patient-driven outcomes evaluation, its existence will focus attention on the most important aspect of medical treatment and improve results by directly involving patients in the care of their disorders. An ongoing dialogue with patient advocacy groups and large foundations will increase patient outreach. For more information, or to request a demonstration of the Registry, please contact [email protected].
About the Heart and Vascular Outcomes Research Institute (HVORI)
HVORI is a non-profit research organization dedicated to the study of heart, vascular and related disorders. HVORI’s mission is to provide excellence in outcome research that is patient-focused, thereby improving the quality of care, advancing clinical outcomes, reducing healthcare costs and driving innovation. (www.hvori.org)
