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Minimum important differences for the patient-specific functional scale, 4 region-specific outcome measures, and the
1Centre for Musculoskeletal Outcomes Research, Orthopaedic Surgery Section, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Summary
This study establishes the minimum important difference (MID) for the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) and other key measures, providing crucial benchmarks for assessing patient-perceived change in physical therapy. These findings aid in interpreting treatment outcomes effectively.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Science
- Clinical Outcomes Assessment
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- The minimum important difference (MID) is crucial for interpreting clinical significance but varies with external anchors.
- The MID for the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) lacks establishment across diverse body regions.
- Standardized MIDs are needed for patient-reported outcome measures in physical therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the MID for the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), and four region-specific measures.
- To analyze MIDs across three levels of patient-perceived global rating of change (small, medium, large).
- To provide evidence-based benchmarks for clinical interpretation of patient-reported outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, prospective, longitudinal cohort study involving 1708 patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
- Collected data on PSFS, NPRS, and region-specific measures (ODI, NDI, UEFI, LFSI) at initial and final visits.
- Utilized receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve methodology to calculate MIDs based on global rating of change.
Main Results:
- The MID for the PSFS ranged from 1.3 (small change) to 2.7 (large change), showing stability across body regions.
- Reported MIDs for NPRS (-1.5 to -3.5), Oswestry Disability Index (-12), Neck Disability Index (-14), Upper Extremity Functional Index (6-11), and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (9-16).
- MIDs varied based on the magnitude of perceived change.
Conclusions:
- Established MIDs for the PSFS, NPRS, and key region-specific scales across different levels of patient-perceived change.
- These MIDs offer valuable tools for clinicians and researchers to interpret treatment effectiveness.
- The findings support the use of these measures for evaluating meaningful change in physical therapy settings.
