Dear List:
I used the HSQ 2.0 which is the same as an SF 36 with 3 "depression"
questions added to the SF 36 (and SF 39?). We used it on back pain. The
problem we ran into, which was predictable, was this test is used for "long
term" variations in health status--the documentation states they should
only be used every 6 months at most. When retesting on a more frequent
basis, there is less validity. The reason I believe this is true, is that
there are questions concerning pain or function, the person answers the
questions based on "when they do have pain" not on whether they still have
pain. For example, I would see a patient for their last visit, maybe after
4-6 weeks of treatment for chronic back pain. I would ask, "how have you
been doing". They would reply, "great, this is the best I have felt in
years". Then they would take the tests, which would ask, "how much pain do
you have with . . ." I think they would answer the question based on
"well, although I don't have pain now, when I do have pain, I can hardly
(sit/stand/walk etc)". They answer this way because their pain experience
is too recent. The test as designed and tested should only be given 2-4
times, with 6 month to 12 month intervals between testing if those tests
(SF 36 or HSQ) are used.
The Oswestry worked better, although again, we had the best results when we
sent out the survey 6 weeks after completing treatment--the problem was
poor number of returns, but it seemed to show a greater difference and the
fact that people seemed to continue to improve. Again, I say "seemed"
because the numbers were not nearly signficant with the drop out and may
reflect wishful thinking on my part.
I have wanted to test as simply: "Is you pain less/more/the same". "Is
walking better/worse/the same". "Are most of your activities
easier/harder/the same." "Was treatment benificial". Something very
simple and to the point.
Just my thoughts after having failed at several attempts.
Herb Silver, PT
At 04:22 PM 9/23/99 +0100, you wrote:
>A number of general hospitals in Ireland are working together to come up
>with a multicentre outcome measure. The data from whatever measure we choose
>will be used in lobbying the department of health for new programmes or
>increased staffing levels, rather than evaluating specific treatments or
>diseases. We are currently looking into Therapy Outcome Measures, SF 36, FIM
>and a few others.
>I am looking for feedback from anyone using these measures and from other
>hospitals using other generic measures.
>Thanks
>Susan Coote MISCP
>
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