Validity and Responsiveness of the Patient Evaluation Measure as an Outcome Measure for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the Patient Evaluation Measure questionnaire (PEM) as an outcome measure in carpal tunnel syndrome. The PEM was compared to the DASH questionnaire and to objective measurements of hand function. We also compared its responsiveness to changes following carpal tunnel release with that of the DASH score. Twenty-four patients completed the PEM and DASH questionnaires before and 3 months after open carpal tunnel release. Grip strength, static two-point discrimination and the nine-hole peg test were measured. There was a significant correlation between individual items of the PEM and the objective measures. There was also strong correlation between PEM and DASH scores. The PEM showed a greater responsiveness to change (effect size 0.97) than the DASH score (effect size 0.49). The PEM correlates well with objective measures of hand function and the DASH score when used in carpal tunnel syndrome. It is more responsive to change than the DASH score. It is very simple to complete and score and is an appropriate and practical outcome measure in carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Internal Consistency and Validity of the Patient Evaluation Measure for Outcomes Assessment in Distal Radius Fractures

“…This is very close to other values: 0.94 (Hobby et al, 2005), 0.93 (Dias et al, 2001) and 0.91 (Sharma and Dias, 2000). We have also demonstrated that the PEM has a strong and highly significant correlation with a standard questionnaire -the DASH questionnaire (r s 0.73, Po0.0001).…”

“…Reliability requires test-retest reproducibility and internal consistency (Streiner and Norman, 1995). These two aspects have been thoroughly demonstrated for the PEM already, in the setting of the hand clinic in general as well as, specifically, for use in scaphoid fracture and carpal tunnel surgery outcome (Dias et al, 2001;Hobby et al, 2005;Sharma and Dias, 2000). Reliability is necessary, but not sufficient for an outcome measure.…”

The cultural adaptation of extended aberdeen spine pain scale: a turkish version study

“…The quality of a measurement is based on reliability, validity, and ease of use (11). The EASP was adapted to the Turkish population using recommended guidelines (1).…”

A Self-Administered Questionnaire for Basal Osteoarthritis of the Thumb

“…The PEM is a global hand score that has been well evaluated for scaphoid fractures (Dias et al, 2001) and carpal tunnel syndrome (Hobby et al, 2005), but we did not compare it with our new assessment tool for the evaluation of basal osteoarthritis of the thumb.…”