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The PROMIS Physical Function Correlates With the QuickDASH in Patients With Upper Extremity Illness

  • Clinical Research
  • Published:
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®

Abstract

Background

To assess disability more efficiently with less burden on the patient, the National Institutes of Health has developed the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function—an instrument based on item response theory and using computer adaptive testing (CAT). Initially, upper and lower extremity disabilities were not separated and we were curious if the PROMIS Physical Function CAT could measure upper extremity disability and the Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH).

Questions/purposes

We aimed to find correlation between the PROMIS Physical Function and the QuickDASH questionnaires in patients with upper extremity illness. Secondarily, we addressed whether the PROMIS Physical Function and QuickDASH correlate with the PROMIS Depression CAT and PROMIS Pain Interference CAT instruments. Finally, we assessed factors associated with QuickDASH and PROMIS Physical Function in multivariable analysis.

Methods

A cohort of 93 outpatients with upper extremity illnesses completed the QuickDASH and three PROMIS CAT questionnaires: Physical Function, Pain Interference, and Depression. Pain intensity was measured with an 11-point ordinal measure (0–10 numeric rating scale). Correlation between PROMIS Physical Function and the QuickDASH was assessed. Factors that correlated with the PROMIS Physical Function and QuickDASH were assessed in multivariable regression analysis after initial bivariate analysis.

Results

There was a moderate correlation between the PROMIS Physical Function and the QuickDASH questionnaire (r = −0.55, p < 0.001). Greater disability as measured with the PROMIS and QuickDASH correlated most strongly with PROMIS Depression (r = −0.35, p < 0.001 and r = 0.34, p < 0.001 respectively) and Pain Interference (r = −0.51, p < 0.001 and r = 0.74, p < 0.001 respectively). The factors accounting for the variability in PROMIS scores are comparable to those for the QuickDASH except that the PROMIS Physical Function is influenced by other pain conditions while the QuickDASH is not.

Conclusions

The PROMIS Physical Function instrument may be used as an upper extremity disability measure, as it correlates with the QuickDASH questionnaire, and both instruments are influenced most strongly by the degree to which pain interferes with achieving goals.

Level of Evidence

Level III, diagnostic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Celeste L. Overbeek BSc, Sjoerd P. F. T. Nota MD, Prakash Jayakumar MD, Michiel G. Hageman MD & David Ring MD, PhD

  2. Orthopaedic Associates, Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care, Suite 2C, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    David Ring MD, PhD

Authors
  1. Celeste L. Overbeek BSc
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  2. Sjoerd P. F. T. Nota MD
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  3. Prakash Jayakumar MD
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  4. Michiel G. Hageman MD
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  5. David Ring MD, PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to David Ring MD, PhD.

Additional information

Anna Foundation|NOREF provided one of the authors (CLO) with financial support for her internship, which was not of influence on this research project.

All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request.

Each author certifies that his or her institution approved the human protocol for this investigation, that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research, and that informed consent for participation in the study was obtained.

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Overbeek, C.L., Nota, S.P.F.T., Jayakumar, P. et al. The PROMIS Physical Function Correlates With the QuickDASH in Patients With Upper Extremity Illness. Clin Orthop Relat Res 473, 311–317 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-014-3840-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-014-3840-2

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