Measurement of Upper Extremity Disability Using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System

Purpose Current questionnaires used to measure upper extremity–specific disability can be time-consuming and subject to ceiling effects. The National Institutes of Health developed Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures based on computer adaptive testing (CAT), a technique that is more efficient and less subject to floor and ceiling effects than traditional questionnaires with a fixed number of questions. This study tested the correlation of the Physical Function–Upper Extremity CAT with the Quick –Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand ( Quick DASH) questionnaire. Methods Patients presenting to our orthopedic outpatient clinic were invited to participate in this observational cross-sectional study between August and October 2013. A study sample of 84 patients completed the Quick DASH and PROMIS Physical Function–Upper Extremity CAT, and 3 other PROMIS measures, as well as the 2-question Pain Self-efficacy Questionnaire and the 2-question Patient Health Questionnaire. Results A strong correlation was found between Quick DASH and PROMIS Physical Function–Upper Extremity CAT, with a significantly shorter completion time for the latter. Conclusions We recommend the PROMIS Upper Extremity CAT because it is valid, reliable, and easy to use, and it provides easy reference to population norms (a score of 50 represents the norm in the United States population, and every 10 points represents a standard deviation from the norm). Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic I.