Methodology for Systematic Reviews on Measurement Properties of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS)

Abstract

The current chapter serves as an introduction and guide to the methodology for performing systematic reviews of the measurement properties of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). The aim of this chapter is to inform clinicians of the most commonly used terms, definitions and processes in the field, in order to enable them to participate meaningfully in any relevant research projects, bearing in mind the limitations discussed at the chapter. A step-wise approach is followed, initially informing the readers about the definitions related to PROMs, but most importantly, explaining what the measurement properties entail. Following this, the methodology for performing a systematic review, is discussed. The chapter’s authors have opted to follow the methodological recommendations that have been proposed by the COSMIN initiative (Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments), who has produced significant publications in the field, providing detailed guidance for each step. All steps are reviewed and discussed, with particular focus on the evaluation of content validity, internal structure and the remaining measurement properties. Examples and tables of the necessary steps to perform the aforementioned assessments are presented throughout. Lastly, the process of how the results of this evaluation are amalgamated in order to produce the systematic review is presented.