This is an assessment of three different outcome measures for the hand: the
Hand Clinic Questionnaire (HCQ); the Patient Evaluation Measure (PEM); and
the Hand Outcome Survey Sheet (HOSS). Each measure has been tested for its
reliability and validity. The results suggest that the PEM and the HCQ are
comparably consistent but the PEM is more reproducible. Both the PEM and H
OSS are valid questionnaires. The PEM is suitable for use in an outpatient
clinic and as a postal questionnaire. The HOSS may be used for research or
audit especially when the injury has been measured using the Hand Injury Se
verity Score.