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Assessing outcomes in paediatric trauma populations
Cameron D Willis1, Belinda J Gabbe, Warwick Butt
1Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
Insights
Assessing outcomes in pediatric trauma requires suitable instruments. The PedsQL 4.0 generic core scale is a feasible option, with additional measures potentially needed for very young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Health Outcomes Research
Background:
- Assessing outcomes in pediatric trauma is crucial but challenging due to the lack of suitable instruments.
- Child-specific characteristics influence the development and selection of outcome measures.
- This review focuses on commonly used measures for functional status and health-related quality of life in pediatric trauma patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and review commonly used outcome measures for the pediatric trauma population.
- To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each identified instrument.
- To provide guidance on instrument selection for assessing pediatric trauma outcomes.
Main Methods:
- An extensive electronic database search was performed.
- The search identified English language outcome measures used from 1966 to the present.
- The focus was on instruments applicable to pediatric trauma patients.
Main Results:
- Nine suitable outcome instruments were identified, including the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ), Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), and PedsQL 4.0.
- Each instrument presented unique advantages and disadvantages for assessing pediatric trauma outcomes.
- Specific measures like the PedsQL 4.0 and a measure by Gofin et al. were highlighted.
Conclusions:
- The PedsQL 4.0 generic core scale shows promise as a routine outcome measure for pediatric trauma.
- For very young children, an additional measure, such as the one proposed by Gofin et al., may be necessary.
- Further psychometric evaluation of these instruments is recommended for optimal use in the pediatric population.
Introduction:
Assessing outcomes in the paediatric trauma population is important. Identifying suitable instruments can be problematic. This article highlights the commonly used outcome measures for assessing functional status and health related quality of life in paediatric trauma patients. Child specific characteristics which impact upon instrument development and selection are reviewed.
Methods:
An electronic database search was conducted to identify suitable English language measures used for outcome assessment in paediatric trauma patients from 1966 to present.
Results:
Nine suitable instruments were identified, the child health questionnaire (CHQ), Glasgow outcome scale (GOS), paediatric overall performance category (POPC), PedsQL 4.0 generic core scales, paediatric evaluation of disability inventory (PEDI), functional independence measure (FIM), WeeFIM and an unnamed paediatric trauma specific measure [Gofin R, Hass T, Adler B, The development of disability scales for childhood and adolescent injuries. J Clin Epidemiol 1995;48:977-84]. Each instrument was found to have advantages and disadvantages for assessing outcomes in a paediatric trauma population.
Conclusion:
The PedsQL 4.0 generic core scale could be feasible for administration as a routine outcome measure for paediatric trauma groups. For very young children an additional measure such as that proposed by Gofin et al. [Gofin R, Hass T, Adler B, The development of disability scales for childhood and adolescent injuries. J Clin Epidemiol 1995;48:977-84] may be indicated. Future use of these instruments in the paediatric population would benefit from further psychometric evaluation.
