The use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) and the perspective of digital biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The systematic assessment of clinical conditions, experience with treatment or healthcare by a structured report of the patient is referred to as "Patient-reported Outcome Measures " (PROM). In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), PROM are particularly well established for documenting functional deficits, e. g. with the ALS Functional Rating Scale, and additional complex symptoms in the context of clinical research. In clinical setting, PROM are used to assess the course and prognosis of the disease. Using PROM, new biological biomarkers (e. g., neurofilaments) and digital biomarkers (e. g., using sensor technology) are being evaluated regarding patient-centric relevance. The digital application of PROM and its linkage to digital biomarkers allows for a more densely collected data from home, enhancing the quality of the data. Patients are able to monitor their own health status and document the results of treatment and care. Thus, they take an increasingly active role in individual care management.