A web-compatible instrument for measuring self-reported disease activity in arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a Web-based computer health assessment survey for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to evaluate the survey in comparison with current paper versions.


METHODS
Utilizing data from a study on RA, we compared results from 43 patients attending a university-based clinic who were each given a paper and a demonstration computer version of a patient self-assessment questionnaire including multiple-choice questions from a multi-dimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ); visual analog scales (VAS) for pain, fatigue, and global disease severity; and a tender and swollen joint count reporting tool. Patients were given optional followup surveys to determine their opinion of the computer program.


RESULTS
High correlations (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9) were seen across methods for the 10-item HAQ and psychological distress scores and the VAS scores for pain and global disease severity. Moderate correlation was observed for the self-efficacy scores, the VAS scores for fatigue, and tender joint counts. The data also revealed a small shift in the mean scores for the HAQ and self-efficacy questions, with patients reporting slightly higher scores on the computer instrument. Overall, patient opinions of the uniquely designed joint count tool were good, with 71% of responding patients answering favorably.


CONCLUSIONS
Web-based computer versions of patient self-assessment surveys in RA are comparable to paper versions, and their use in clinics or over the Internet could dramatically facilitate the ability of physicians to monitor patients' health.
Athale
Ninad
N
Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Veterans Medical Research Foundation, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), California 92161, USA.
Sturley
Ann
A
Skoczen
Steven
S
Kavanaugh
Arthur
A
Lenert
Leslie
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008838:Microcomputers; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012984:Software