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Establishing expert consensus on the evaluation of pediatric upper extremity function
Yumiko Hao1, Katie Bala2, Matthew McRae3
1Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Insights
Experts reached consensus on the importance of pediatric upper extremity (UE) functional outcome measures. However, low satisfaction in the Activity domain highlights a need for improved assessment tools for children with musculoskeletal conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Musculoskeletal Health
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Outcome Measurement
Background:
- Lack of consensus exists regarding pediatric upper extremity (UE) functional outcome measures for musculoskeletal conditions.
- Standardized assessment tools are crucial for effective pediatric UE rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Establish expert consensus on the utility, satisfaction, and importance of functional outcome measures.
- Evaluate measures across International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains for pediatric UE musculoskeletal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Delphi Consensus Methodology employed with expert panelists.
- Three rounds of questionnaires administered to achieve consensus.
Main Results:
- High agreement (α, ICC range = 0.86-0.96) on outcome measures in Body Functions and Structure, Activity, and Participation domains.
- Mean satisfaction scores ranged from 6.93 to 7.94.
- The Activity domain, despite lowest satisfaction, was deemed most important by consensus.
Conclusions:
- Consensus achieved on the relative importance of pediatric UE functional outcome measures.
- Low satisfaction within the Activity domain indicates a critical need for developing superior outcome measures.
- Study provides insight into the current utility and application of outcome measures for pediatric UE function.
Study Design:
Consensus statement.
Introduction:
There is a lack of consensus in the literature on the measures of pediatric upper extremity (UE) function for musculoskeletal conditions.
Purpose:
To establish expert consensus on utility, satisfaction and importance of functional outcome measures in children with UE musculoskeletal conditions, across International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains.
Methods:
Using Delphi Consensus Methodology, expert panelists completed three rounds of questionnaires.
Results:
Agreement on Body Functions and Structure, Activity, and Participation outcome measures was determined (α, ICC range = 0.86-0.96). Mean satisfaction of measures in the respective domains was between 6.93 and 7.94. The Activity domain had lowest satisfaction, however there was consensus it was the most important.
Discussion:
Consensus on relative importance, but low satisfaction in the Activity domain suggests a need for better outcomes in this domain.
Conclusions:
Findings report the status of outcome measure utility and use in pediatric UE function.
Level Of Evidence:
5.
