What is a patient-reported outcome (PRO) and how is it used in coaching?

• A. A clinician's interpretation of patient symptoms.
• B. A report directly from the patient about health status; used to measure impact of coaching on function, symptoms, quality of life.
• C. A laboratory test result used to guide treatment.
• D. A family member's observation of patient activity.

Answer: (B)

A patient-reported outcome is a report directly from the patient about their health status, including how they function, what symptoms they experience, and their overall quality of life. In coaching, these reports show how coaching activities affect the patient’s everyday functioning and well-being, providing baseline and follow-up data to gauge progress, tailor goals, and adjust strategies based on the patient’s own experience and priorities.

This differs from clinician interpretations, lab results, or observations by family members, which are not the patient’s own report of their status.