Assessing outcomes in paediatric trauma populations.
BACKGROUND
Assessing outcomes in the paediatric trauma population is important. Identifying suitable instruments can be problematic. This article highlights the commonly used outcome measures for assessing functional status and health related quality of life in paediatric trauma patients. Child specific characteristics which impact upon instrument development and selection are reviewed.


METHODS
An electronic database search was conducted to identify suitable English language measures used for outcome assessment in paediatric trauma patients from 1966 to present.


RESULTS
Nine suitable instruments were identified, the child health questionnaire (CHQ), Glasgow outcome scale (GOS), paediatric overall performance category (POPC), PedsQL 4.0 generic core scales, paediatric evaluation of disability inventory (PEDI), functional independence measure (FIM), WeeFIM and an unnamed paediatric trauma specific measure [Gofin R, Hass T, Adler B, The development of disability scales for childhood and adolescent injuries. J Clin Epidemiol 1995;48:977-84]. Each instrument was found to have advantages and disadvantages for assessing outcomes in a paediatric trauma population.


CONCLUSIONS
The PedsQL 4.0 generic core scale could be feasible for administration as a routine outcome measure for paediatric trauma groups. For very young children an additional measure such as that proposed by Gofin et al. [Gofin R, Hass T, Adler B, The development of disability scales for childhood and adolescent injuries. J Clin Epidemiol 1995;48:977-84] may be indicated. Future use of these instruments in the paediatric population would benefit from further psychometric evaluation.
Willis
Cameron D
CD
Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
Gabbe
Belinda J
BJ
Butt
Warwick
W
Cameron
Peter A
PA
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D023261:Glasgow Outcome Scale / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000601:surgery*