A structured literature synthesis of wrist outcome measures: An evidence-based approach to determine use among common wrist diagnoses.
METHODS
Structured literature synthesis.


BACKGROUND
Hand therapists and researchers have numerous options when selecting outcome measures for patients with wrist pathologies. An evidence-based approach to determining which measures are used most often can inform choices.


OBJECTIVE
To describe how frequently outcome measures are used in recent randomized controlled trials of patients with wrist diagnoses. Identifying assessment design and related International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains provides additional consideration for selection.


METHODS
Systematic PubMed and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature searches for the time frame between January 2005 and March 2015 captured measures used in randomized controlled trials researching wrist-specific fractures, ligament injuries, nerve injuries, arthritis/arthroplasty, or stress injuries/wrist pain.


RESULTS
Three most frequent measures used within each diagnostic category are detailed with assessment design described and ICF domain identified. Across diagnoses, grip/pinch strength and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand were the most frequently used physical and patient-reported outcome measures, respectively. The Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test was the most frequently used performance measure.


CONCLUSIONS
Consideration of the evidence, ICF domains, wrist diagnoses, and assessment design can help hand therapists select the measure most appropriate for use.


METHODS
2a.
Department of Hand Therapy, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA. Electronic address: mzlotnickg@hss.edu.
Gwen
G
Weinstock-Zlotnick
School of Physical Therapy, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA.
Saurabh P
SP
Mehta
D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D020127:Recovery of Function; D014481:United States; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*
Assessment; ICF framework; Outcome measures; Wrist injuries