Assessing Symptoms and Function in Patients with Hand and Wrist Problems
Author Information
Author(s): Marinda N Spies-Dorgelo, Caroline B Terwee, Wim AB Stalman, Daniëlle AWM van der Windt
Primary Institution: VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
To determine the clinimetric properties of two questionnaires assessing symptoms and physical functioning in a Dutch primary care population.
Conclusion
The Symptom Severity Scale is suitable for assessing symptom severity, while the Dutch-AIMS2-HFF is less suitable for measuring physical functioning in patients with hand and wrist problems.
Supporting Evidence
- The Symptom Severity Scale had an ICC of 0.68, indicating moderate reliability.
- The Dutch-AIMS2-HFF had an ICC of 0.62, indicating moderate reliability.
- The smallest detectable change for the Symptom Severity Scale was 1.00 at individual level.
- The smallest detectable change for the Dutch-AIMS2-HFF was 3.80 at individual level.
- The minimal important change for the Symptom Severity Scale was 0.23.
- The minimal important change for the Dutch-AIMS2-HFF was 0.31.
- 30% of patients showed a floor effect on the Dutch-AIMS2-HFF.
Takeaway
This study looked at two questionnaires to see how well they measure symptoms and function in people with hand and wrist issues. One worked well, but the other didn't.
Methodology
Participants completed the questionnaires twice within 1 to 2 weeks, and data were analyzed for reliability and responsiveness.
Limitations
The Dutch-AIMS2-HFF showed a floor effect, limiting its ability to detect changes in patients with minimal symptoms.
Participant Demographics
{"mean_age":52.0,"gender_distribution":{"female":74,"male":26}}
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
{"Symptom_Severity_Scale":"95% CI: 0.54–0.78","Dutch-AIMS2-HFF":"95% CI: 0.47–0.74"}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website