Conclusion Based on this literature review , the disease-specificHAQ and the generic SF-36 can currently be most confidently recommended to measure PF in RA for most research purpose s. The HAQ , however , was frequently associated with considerable ceiling effects while the SF-36 has limited content coverage .
Background The aim of this study was to systematic ally review the content validity and measurement properties of all physical function ( PF ) scales which are currently vali date d for use with patients with rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) .
Preliminary core set of domains and reporting requirements for longitudinal observational studies in rheumatology.
Observational and longitudinal observational studies ( LOS ) provide essential information about the course and outcome of rheumatic disorders that can not be provided by r and omized controlled trials , and they constitute the major clinical scientific communication in rheumatology . There has been no consensus as to the full and appropriate content of LOS . This report defines a core set of domains and reporting requirements for LOS . At the 1998 OMERACT IV Conference a consensus process evaluated the literature of rheumatology in light of the constructs , variables , and outcomes of rheumatology by using introductory lectures , nominal groups , and plenary sessions . The result of this process was to identify 5 " core " domains that should be included in every LOS : Health Status , Disease Process , Damage , Mortality , and Toxicity/Adverse Reactions . Two additional domains , Work Disability and Costs , were recognized as important , but need not be used in all LOS . Eleven subdomains were identified that divided the domains into convenient clinical and conceptual units . A set of reporting requirements was also determined . The core recommendations , which follow on the WHO ICIDH-2 outline , are not disease-specific ; the substitution of different " disease process " and " damage " measures make them suitable for many rheumatic disorders . The core set is intended to serve as a core for LOS in almost all rheumatic conditions
Conclusion Based on this literature review , the disease-specificHAQ and the generic SF-36 can currently be most confidently recommended to measure PF in RA for most research purpose s. The HAQ , however , was frequently associated with considerable ceiling effects while the SF-36 has limited content coverage .
Background The aim of this study was to systematic ally review the content validity and measurement properties of all physical function ( PF ) scales which are currently vali date d for use with patients with rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) .