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Applying the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System to Assess Upper Extremity Function among
Jennifer F Waljee1, Noelle Carlozzi, Lauren E Franzblau
1Ann Arbor, Mich. From the Section of Plastic Surgery and the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan Medical School.
Insights
The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is a valid and efficient tool for assessing upper extremity function in children with congenital hand differences. It correlates well with other measures and physical assessments.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Outcome Measurement
Background:
- Limited research exists on self-assessment tools for pediatric congenital hand differences.
- Evaluating existing instruments against the PROMIS Pediatric Upper Extremity Item Bank is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the validity and feasibility of three upper extremity disability instruments with the PROMIS Pediatric Upper Extremity Item Bank.
- To assess the utility of PROMIS in children with congenital hand differences.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-three children (6-17 years) with congenital hand differences completed four self-assessment tools: PODCI, MHQ, DASH, and PROMIS UE (short form and CAT).
- Hand function was objectively assessed.
- Construct validity and feasibility of the PROMIS tools were examined.
Main Results:
- PROMIS demonstrated strong construct validity, with high correlations to DASH (r=0.80) and PODCI (r=0.70) scores.
- PROMIS showed moderate correlation with MHQ (r=0.40) and significant correlation with grip (r=0.60) and pinch strength (r=0.50).
- PROMIS required less completion time and less assistance compared to other instruments.
Conclusions:
- PROMIS is a highly correlated and valid patient-reported outcome measure for children with congenital hand differences.
- PROMIS offers a feasible and efficient alternative for assessing upper extremity function in this population.
Background:
Few studies have evaluated self-assessment tools among children with congenital hand differences. The authors compared three upper extremity disability instruments with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Upper Extremity Item Bank.
Methods:
Thirty-three children (aged 6 to 17 years) with congenital hand differences completed the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument; the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; and the PROMIS Upper Extremity short form and computerized adaptive test. Hand function was also assessed, and construct validity and feasibility were examined.
Results:
PROMIS demonstrated good construct validity. Short form and computerized adaptive test were highly correlated with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire scores (r = 0.80, p < 0.001) and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument domains (r = 0.70, p < 0.001). PROMIS was moderately correlated with the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (r = 0.40, p < 0.05). PROMIS scores also correlated with grip (r = 0.60, p < 0.001) and pinch strength (r = 0.50, p < 0.001). Compared with the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Michigan Hand Outcomes questionnaires, PROMIS required the least time to complete with fewer children requiring assistance.
Conclusion:
The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System is highly correlated with both functional assessment and self-reported function among children with congenital hand differences.

