Outcome measurement in musculoskeletal diseases: proposal of a core set ofinstruments for application in rehabilitation

By application of a standardized core set of outcome measurement instrument s, comparison between studies as well as meta-analyses in rehabilitation re search can be facilitated. The German Society for Rheumatology has commissi oned its working group on rehabilitation with the development of a proposal for such a core set of outcome measurement instruments. In a first step, dimensions for outcome measurement in rehabilitation were defined by a group of experts which represented rehabilitation hospitals, a cute care hospitals, and research groups specialized in outcome measurement . The Delphi method was used in a multiple step consensus process. In a sec ond step, instruments and procedures to operationalize the relevant dimensi ons were chosen. Reliability, validity, sensitivity to change, and practica bility were used as criteria for selecting measurement instruments. The mai n intention of the proposed core set of outcome measurement instruments is to facilitate the processes of planning and carrying out rehabilitation res earch studies. Furthermore, the proposed instruments can be used for clinic al documentation systems as well as for internal or external quality assura nce programs.