Co-design of an outcome measure for hand burn injuries

Measurement of postburn injury is important to assess impact of interventions, monitor symptoms, and direct treatment. Outcome measures are important to enable patients' views to be incorporated into their clinical care and direct healthcare. To date, there are few patient-reported outcome measures specific for the burn's population, only one specific patient reported questionnaire exists for hand burn injuries. For outcome measures to be person focused, it is important to have individuals who have experienced the injury join the development team to consult and advise on properties for inclusion. The aim of this study was to co-design a specific outcome measure for severe hand burn injuries.

Participatory Action Research was used to co-design the outcome measure with experienced allied health professionals, individuals with hand burn injuries, and researchers. Participatory Action Research acknowledges the depth and breadth of experience of all co-researchers. Content analysis was used to systematically analyze meaning and relationships from each cycle.

In cycle 1-the constructs for measurement and activities for inclusion in the outcome measure were selected over a series of virtual meetings. The 18 activities included measure patterns of hand movement, pinch, and grip strength, which can be repeatedly measured over time across recovery. In cycle 2-two rating scales were developed one for clinicians and one for patients.

The newly developed outcome measure will require further testing to determine psychometric properties.