assessing disability and change on individual patients a report of patient specific measure

by Prof. Modesto Bode PhD 10 min read

The Patient-Specific Functional Scale - TAC

7 hours ago  · Concurrent validity of the patient-specific measure was assessed using the Roland-Morris Questionnaire. Sensitivity to valid change over time was determined by comparing the measure's score to the average patient/clinician global rating of change. Moderate to excellent reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change coefficients were obtained for the patient … >> Go To The Portal


Self-report measures of disability are being used more frequently to assess patients' outcomes in clinical practice. This study examines the reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale when applied to persons with neck dysfunction.

Full Answer

How is the patient-specific functional scale and neck disability index applied?

The Patient-Specific Functional Scale and Neck Disability Index were applied at the initial visit, within 72 hours of the initial visit, and following 1-4 weeks of treatment in 31 patients with cervical dysfunction. At the time of the initial visit, the clinician made an estimate of patients' prognoses on a five-point scale.

Are self-report measures of disability reliable for persons with neck dysfunction?

Self-report measures of disability are being used more frequently to assess patients' outcomes in clinical practice. This study examines the reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale when applied to persons with neck dysfunction.

How do patients rate ability to complete an activity?

Patients rate their ability to complete an activity on an 11-point scale at a level experienced prior to injury or change in functional status. "0" represents “unable to perform.” "10" represents “able to perform at prior level.” Patients select a value that best describes their current level of ability on each activity assessed.

What does the patient-specific functional scale measure in physiotherapy?

The use of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale to measure rehabilitative progress in a physiotherapy setting. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. 2012 Aug 1;20 (3):147-52.

What does the patient specific functional scale measure?

The PSFS is a valid, reliable, and responsive outcome measure for patients with back, neck, knee and upper extremity problems. It has also been shown to have a high test-retest reliability in both generic lower back pain and knee dysfunction issues.

How do you score Psfs?

Remember that on the PSFS scale, zero is the worst score (the patient cannot perform the activity) and 10 is the best score (the patient is able to perform the activity at the same level as before the injury or problem). This is the opposite of the VAS scale of pain.

What is patient specific?

(pā′shĕnt-spĕ-sif′ik) Customized to the precise anatomy, physiology, or health care needs of one person.

What is the DASH outcome measure?

The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Outcome Measure is a 30-item, self-report questionnaire designed to measure physical function and symptoms in patients with any or several musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb.

Objective

Intended Population

  • The PSFS is a self-reported valid, reliable, and responsive outcome measure for patients with back, neck, knee and upper extremity problems. It has also been shown to have a high test-retest reliability in both generic lower back pain and knee dysfunction issues.It is also clinically responsive to changes over time with chronic pain patients
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Method of Use

  1. Patients are asked to identify up to five important activities they are unable to perform or are having difficulty with as a result of their problem eg putting socks on, shopping.
  2. Patients are asked to rate (on an 11-point scale) the current level of difficulty associated with each activity.
  3. Following the intervention, patients are asked again to rate the activities previously identified …
  1. Patients are asked to identify up to five important activities they are unable to perform or are having difficulty with as a result of their problem eg putting socks on, shopping.
  2. Patients are asked to rate (on an 11-point scale) the current level of difficulty associated with each activity.
  3. Following the intervention, patients are asked again to rate the activities previously identified (and are given the chance to nominate new problematic activities that might have arisen during that...
  4. "0" represents “unable to perform” and "10" represents “able to perform at prior level”

Advantages

  1. Gives the patient positive re-enforcement that the intervention is effective
  2. Keeps therapy goal orientated
  3. Quick to complete
  4. Relatively easy for patients to complete
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Disadvantages

  1. Not obtaining a final PSFS score. For example if a patient cancels their final appointment it is not always possible to ask for the score completion.
  2. Some patients can find rating their activities on a numerical scale difficult
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Evidence

  • The PSFS is a valid, reliable, and responsive outcome measure for patients with back, neck, knee and upper extremity problems. It has also been shown to have a high test-retest reliability in both generic lower back pain and knee dysfunction issues.
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