Abstract
Objective. Systematic reviews often struggle with how to combine information when more than 1 instrument is used across studies being synthesized. Different techniques have been suggested based on frequency of use in the literature, or on consensus. We explore an approach blending 2 initiatives: OMERACT (Outcome Measurement in Rheumatology) and COSMIN (Consensus On Selection of Measurement Instruments), and investigate the effects of an evidence-based measurement approach on selection of outcomes.
Methods. Readings were circulated to attendees registered for a preconference workshop on pain measurement. Three instruments were considered and exercises conducted to engage people in the content and measurement performance of these tools. Consensus was sought that an evidence-based approach could be created for selection of instruments for summary of findings (SoF) tables.
Results. The blending of COSMIN and OMERACT approaches led to an evidence-based approach that depended both on a clear definition of target concept and a review of measurement performance of the instrument. Participants emphasized that conceptual clarity and practical considerations should come before measurement property results.
Conclusion. Evidence-based approaches can be adopted for selection of instruments for SoF tables. A research agenda was formulated.
- EVIDENCE BASED
- OUTCOME MEASUREMENT
- REPRODUCIBILITY OF RESULTS
- HEALTH STATUS INDICATORS
- SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
Footnotes
Supported through the OMERACT premeeting conference on pain measurement. JAS is supported by grants from the Agency for Health Quality and Research Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics (AHRQ CERTs) U19 HS021110, US National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) P50 AR060772 and U34 AR062891, National Institute of Aging U01 AG018947, National Cancer Institute U10 CA149950, the resources and the use of facilities at the VA Medical Center at Birmingham, Alabama and research contract CE-1304-6631 from the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
JAS has received research grants from Takeda and Savient and consultant fees from Savient, Takeda, Regeneron, and Allergan. JAS is a member of the American College of Rheumatology’s Guidelines Subcommittee of the Quality of Care Committee; and a member of the Veterans Affairs Rheumatology Field Advisory Committee. JAS, DEB, and PT are members of the executive of OMERACT, an organization that develops outcome measures in rheumatology and receives arms-length funding from 36 companies.
