title: The assessment of disability and handicap in musculoskeletal disease.
abstract: The method for assessment of disability and handicap is particularly important in chronic musculoskeletal diseases. Outcome measures should be valid and show a responsiveness to change such that longitudinal studies of the diseases and their interventions can be carried out effectively. Psychosocial aspects may significantly influence these diseases and the instruments themselves. Researchers need to take these issues into account.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Woodville, Australia.
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: McFarlane
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Brooks
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care