AIMS2. The Content and Properties of a Revised and Expanded Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales Health Status Questionnaire

Abstract

Objective. The goal of this project was to develop a more comprehensive and sensitive version of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS).Methods. AIMS scale items were revised, and 3 new scales were added to evaluate arm function, work, and social support. Sections were also added to assess satisfaction with function, attribution of problems to arthritis, and self-designation of priority areas for improvement. The new instrument was designated the -2.A pilot test of format and content and a performance test of reliability and validity were carried out.Results. Questionnaire completion times in a pilot study of 24 subjects averaged 23 minutes, and evaluations were positive regarding the instrument's length and ease of completion, and the subjects' willingness to complete serial forms and return them by mail. Mea- Submitted for publication February 20, 1991; accepted in revised form August 19, 1991. surement performance was tested in 408 subjects: 299 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 109 with osteoarthritis (OA); 45 of these subjects completed a second AIMS2 within 3 weeks. Internal consistency coefficients for the 12 scales were 0.72-0.91 in the RA group and 0.74-0.96 in the OA group. Test-retest reliability was 0.78-0.94. All withm-scale factor analyses produced single factors, except for mobility level in OA. Validity analyses in both the RA and the OA groups showed that patient designation of an area as a problem or as a priority for improvement was significantly associated with a poorer AIMS2 scale score in that area. Reliability, factor analysis, and validity results were consistent in age, sex, and education subgroups. Satisfaction was moderately correlated with level of function in the same health status area, and the satisfaction items formed a reliable scale. Responses to the arthritis attribution items showed that most dysfunction in this sample was due to arthritis. Conclusion.The AIMS2 is a revised and expanded health status questionnaire with excellent measurement properties that should be useful in arthritis clinical trials and in outcomes research.

The psychometric properties of the Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire in seven musculoskeletal conditions

“…As one participant in the development phase stated: "At first you think a lot doesn't apply to me … but it does when you think about it … it helped me a lot to see there could be solutions … the questionnaire makes you think about your arthritis" [15]. The content was generated by people with rheumatoid arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions [6,7,15], as opposed to other physical function assessments commonly used in musculoskeletal research and practice, in which items were generated by health professionals [3,4]. This contributed to the Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire's high levels of acceptability by respondents, despite its length.…”

“…Thorough assessment is needed to effectively identify activity abilities and participation but few rheumatology occupational therapists in the United Kingdom (UK) use standardised measurement tools during their assessments. This is because measurement tools commonly used in rheumatology out-patient clinics and research (e.g., the Health Assessment Questionnaire [3] and the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 [4]) include too few activities to be of use for treatment planning. Many occupational therapy departments have, therefore, devised their own nonstandardised checklists, with differing activities and rating scales [5,6].…”

Psychological interventions for rheumatoid arthritis: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Across studies, several different self-report measures were used to assess functional disability. These included the Health Assessment Questionnaire (52) and the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (53). Eighteen studies assessed disability.…”

Measuring Outcomes in Hand Surgery

“…They ascertain general well-being, including components of pain, vitality, emotional and mental health, and self-assessment of ability to perform daily functions and activities. The SF-36 and Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 (AIMS2) (32) are frequently used general PRO measures in hand surgery outcomes research.…”