title: A users guide to measurement in medicine.
abstract: Measurement is fundamental to science. In medicine measurement underpins most clinical decisions. Outcome measures for rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials (OMERACT) is an informal collaborative group of professionals dedicated to improving outcome measurement in the rheumatic disease. The methodologic hallmark of the OMERACT process is captured in the OMERACT filter--truth, discrimination, and feasibility. Using the key elements of the OMERACT filter a comprehensive checklist for evaluating reported measures is provided. The checklist guides the potential user through a series of questions. The checklist is also an important resource for researchers working in the field of measurement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, St George Hospital, Gray Street, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia. lasserem@sesahs.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: M N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Lassere
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome