The tools of disability outcomes research functional status measures

Objective: To review the major functional status measures currently used in rehabilitation research, including the domains and scope of functional sta tus measures, as well as the psychometric properties of selected functional status measures and their use in adult rehabilitation populations. Data Sources: Measures of physical functioning widely used in rehabilitatio n research. Study Selection: Major generic measures included the following activities o f daily living and instrumental activities of daily living: the FIM(TM) ins trument, the Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale, the Level of Rehabilita tion Scale, the Barthel index, and the Patient Evaluation and Conference Sy stem. Measures were evaluated based on published evidence of validity, reli ability, and sensitivity. Data Extraction: Measures were chosen on the basis of the amount and qualit y of published research on the functional measures widely used in rehabilit ation medicine. Independent research of computer databases and reviews of f unctional measures were conducted to determine suitability for inclusion. T he quality and validity of the measures were assessed using standard psycho metric guidelines. Data Synthesis: Measures were evaluated based on published evidence of vali dity, reliability, sensitivity response and administrative burdens and inst rument bias. Each criterion was graded on a 3-point scale reflecting the le vel of evidence. Conclusion: Researchers in the field of disabilities research need to consi der carefully study objectives when measuring physical functioning in peopl e with disabilities.