Patient_Reported_Outcome_Measures_in_Rheumatic_Diseases

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the Levine scale, Brigham and Women’s Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, and Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome Instrument. The questionnaire has two distinct scales: (1) the
“Symptom Severity Scale,” which includes 11 questions and uses a 5-point Likert
rating scale and (2) the “Functional Status Scale” containing eight items that rate the
degree of diffi culty on a 5-point scale. Each scale generates a fi nal score (sum of
individual scores divided by number of items), which ranges from 1 to 5, with a
higher score indicating symptoms severity or greater disability. The BCTQ has been
used as an outcome measure in several clinical studies, and has also undergone
extensive testing for validity, reliability, and responsiveness [ 32 , 33 ]. A systematic
review of the psychometric properties of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire
[ 35 ] revealed that the two sub-scales of the questionnaire measuring symptoms
severity as well as functional status were reliable and valid, being the most impor-
tant reasons for seeking medical advice.
Convergent validity of the BCTQ has been demonstrated by moderate correla-
tions between the symptoms severity scale scores and grip measures, pinch as well
as strength. Similarly there was moderate correlation between functional status
scores and the same parameters (pinch, grip, and strength) [ 31 , 35 ]. All correlations
were in the predicted direction; worse status is associated with worse impairment.
Higher satisfaction with postoperative results was associated with greater improve-
ment in both the symptoms severity and functional status scores. Pain scores in the

Table 13.1 (continued)

Tool Items (number of items) Response Score

Generic tool

The Short Form

Health Survey

(36) (SF-36)

[ 29 ]

• Physical functioning
  (10)

Categorical:

2–6 options

0–100, (100 best health)

• Role limitation- physical
  (4)


• Bodily pain (2)


• General health (5)


• Vitality (4)


• Social functioning (2)


• Role limitation-
  emotional (3)


• Mental health (5)


• Health transition (1)
  Nottingham
  Health Profi le
  (NHP) [ 30 ]


• Bodily pain (8) Yes/no 0–100, (100 is maximum


• Emotional reactions (9) limitation)


• Energy (E) (3)


• Physical mobility (8)


• Sleep (5)


• Social isolation (5)
  BCTQ Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, MHQ Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, CTS- 6
  Six-Item CTS Symptoms Scale, PEM Patient Evaluation Measure, CTS-PROMS Carpal Tunnel
  Syndrome-Patient Reported Outcome Measures, DASH Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand

Y. El Miedany