title: Evaluating clinical rating scales for evidence-based dermatology: some basic concepts.
abstract: Evidence-based dermatology has necessitated the development of rating scales that measure multidimensional and abstract constructs, such as quality of life. This article discusses some basic psychometric concepts, such as reliability, validity, standardization, and measurement precision, which need to be considered when choosing a clinical rating instrument. Also discussed is the impact of these parameters on increasing the statistical power of a clinical trial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada. magupta@uwo.ca
authors.forename: Madhulika A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Andrew M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Mary-Margaret
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Chren
mesh_terms: D003880:Dermatology; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000523:psychology*