Setting the minimal metrically detectable change on disability rating scales.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the minimal metrically detectable change (MMDC) on rating scales by comparing two methods: (1) using the reliability coefficient derived from an external study in the calculation of the standard error of measurement (psychometric method); and (2) examining the variability of scores in a stable subsample from a longitudinal study (empirical method). DESIGN: Longitudinal survey. SETTING: General community. PARTICIPANTS: Population-based representative sample of community-dwelling people older than 75 (n = 572). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Disability as measured by the Functional Autonomy Measuring System (SMAF). RESULTS: Using the psychometric method, a change in score of 3.7 on the SMAF was obtained using a reliability coefficient derived from an external test-retest study, and 5.2 using the reliability coefficient measured in a stable subsample of the longitudinal study. With the empirical method, a change of 5 points was established as the MMDC. CONCLUSION: The setting of the MMDC on a disability scale could be useful for calculating sample size or interpreting results from clinical trials because it helps to establish the minimal clinically important difference, which should be equal to or larger than the MMDC.[1]References
- Setting the minimal metrically detectable change on disability rating scales. Hébert, R., Spiegelhalter, D.J., Brayne, C. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation. (1997) [Pubmed]
Annotations and hyperlinks in this abstract are from individual authors of WikiGenes or automatically generated by the WikiGenes Data Mining Engine. The abstract is from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.About WikiGenesOpen Access LicencePrivacy PolicyTerms of Useapsburg
