The Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation questionnaire: Translation, validation, and cross-cultural adaptation in Serbian

No validated Serbian-language patient-reported outcome measure exists for wrist and hand conditions. The Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) demonstrates superior responsiveness over broader instruments such as the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) for pathology confined to the wrist and hand.

To translate, culturally adapt, and validate the PRWHE for Serbian-speaking patients with hand and wrist disorders.

Clinical measurement, cross-sectional validation study.

One hundred sixty-three patients (52.1% male; mean age 52.4 ± 15.8 years) with hand and wrist conditions were enrolled. Translation adhered to internationally accepted cross-cultural adaptation guidelines. Participants completed the Serbian PRWHE, DASH, and SF-12. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α), test-retest reliability (ICC; n = 15, 2-week interval), confirmatory factor analysis, and convergent validity (Pearson/Spearman correlations) were assessed.

Internal consistency was excellent for the Pain (α = 0.90) and Function (α = 0.94) subscales. Test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92-0.98; p < 0.001), with no systematic bias on Bland-Altman analysis (p = 0.550). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure with satisfactory loadings (range: 0.73-0.93; RMSEA = 0.09; CFI = 0.95). Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations with the DASH (r = 0.23, p < 0.001) and moderate negative correlations with the SF-12 Physical Component Summary (r = -0.33 to -0.43, p < 0.001).

The Serbian PRWHE demonstrates strong psychometric properties and is a valid, reliable instrument for assessing pain and functional disability in wrist and hand conditions. Its availability enables standardized, patient-centered assessment in Serbian-speaking populations and supports cross-cultural research in hand therapy.