Title : Does the quick disability arm shoulder and hand (quickdash) correlate well with other upper limb patient reported outcomes measures? A systematic review
Abstract:
Introduction: Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become essential in clinical practice and research, providing crucial insights into patients' health perspectives, functionality, and treatment outcomes. This is particularly important for upper limb pathologies, where accurate assessment is vital for effective management. The QuickDASH score, along with other PROMs like the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), is widely used to assess upper limb conditions. This systematic review aims to evaluate the reliability, validity, responsiveness, and practicality of the QuickDASH score compared to other PROMs.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted, analyzing eight studies, including seven prospective cohort studies and one retrospective study, encompassing a total of 1,561 patients. The studies were selected based on their focus on upper limb conditions and the use of QuickDASH in comparison with other PROMs. The review examined the psychometric properties of these PROMs, focusing on their reliability, validity, and responsiveness in various clinical settings.
Results: The QuickDASH, along with the DASH and MHQ, demonstrated strong psychometric properties across different patient populations and clinical contexts. High correlations were observed between the QuickDASH and other PROMs, indicating its reliability and validity. The QuickDASH was particularly noted for its brevity and ease of use, making it a practical tool in both clinical and research settings. Additionally, its cultural adaptability and minimal burden on patients and healthcare providers were highlighted as significant advantages.
Conclusion: The QuickDASH score emerges as a highly advantageous tool for assessing upper limb conditions due to its strong reliability, validity, and practicality. While it is a concise and effective instrument, the choice of PROMs should be tailored to specific clinical contexts to ensure accurate and meaningful assessments. Ongoing validation and adaptation of these tools are essential to maintaining their relevance and effectiveness in diverse and evolving healthcare environments. The QuickDASH questionnaire is therefore recommended as an acceptable, brief and reliable option in both clinical practice and research.
Keywords: PROMS, QuickDASH, Quick Disability Arm Shoulder and Hand score
