A within-subjects trial to test the equivalence of online and paper outcome measures: the Roland Morris disability questionnaire.
BACKGROUND
Augmenting validated paper versions of existing outcome measures with an equivalent online version may offer substantial research advantages (cost, rapidity and reliability). However, equivalence of online and paper questionnaires cannot be assumed, nor can acceptability to respondents. The aim was to test whether online and written versions of the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), a standard measure of functional disability in back pain, are equivalent at both group and individual levels to establish whether they can be used interchangeably.


METHODS
This is a within-participants equivalence study. 167 participants with back pain fully completed both the paper and online versions of the RMDQ in random order. Participants were recruited from a chiropractic clinic and patient support groups in Southern England. Limits of equivalence were pre-defined as 0.5 RMDQ points, the Bland-Altman range was calculated, and participants' comments were examined using content analysis.


RESULTS
The mean score difference was 0.03 (SD = 1.43), with the 95% Confidence Interval falling entirely within our limits of equivalence (-0.19 to 0.25). The Bland-Altman range was -2.77 to 2.83 RMDQ points. Participants identified unique advantages and disadvantages associated with each version of the RMDQ.


CONCLUSIONS
The group and individual level data suggest that online and paper versions of the RMDQ are equivalent and can be used interchangeably. The Bland-Altman range appears to reflect the known measurement properties of the RMDQ. Furthermore, participants' comments confirmed the potential value to be had from offering them the choice of completing the RMDQ online or on paper.
Complementary Medicine Research Unit, School of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. F.L.Bishop@southampton.ac.uk
Felicity L
FL
Bishop
Graham
G
Lewis
Scott
S
Harris
Naomi
N
McKay
Philippa
P
Prentice
Haymo
H
Thiel
George T
GT
Lewith
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001416:Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000639:trends; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D009862:Online Systems / Q000639:trends; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards; D055815:Young Adult