Questions about outcome measures
Five common questions about the CSP outcome measures database are answered on this page.
Do I need to get copyright permission to use a measure
Copyright restrictions on instruments are variable. Some measures can be used freely, others can be used with the author's permission for free, and other measures can only be obtained and used by paying a fee. Members are strongly advised to confirm this before using a measure. On the CSP outcome measures database, each record seeks to signpost readers to authors, publishers and companies, when copyright permission is required.
Where can I obtain articles cited in the database
The CSP's Library and Information Service can help: for information on which journal titles are held at the CSP. for further information on how to obtain copies of articles
How do I appraise a measure
Have a look at our information paper on Outcome Measures and read this paper: Greenhalgh J, et al (1998), Reviewing and selecting outcome measures for use in routine practice, J Eval Clin Pract, 4, 4, 339 - 350. Key points :
- No measure is perfect - make judgements about conflicting pros and cons for each measure in the location you want to use it, bearing in mind your resources
- Don't modify a measure, or make local 'improvements' to a measure
- Don't invent a new measure just because you can't find a measure perfect for your needs, because …
- Development of a new measure requires resources (time, money) and knowledge. Ensure you have it beforehand
Why doesn't the CSP tell us what measures to use
The Research and Clinical Effectiveness Committee debated how the Society should respond to the many inquiries from members for "CSP recommendations of measures" at length at its February 2001 meeting. Discussion ranged between on the one hand, recognising the difficulties clinicians have in finding and using measures and wanting a steer on measures to use, and on the other hand, recognising the imperative for individuals to choose the measures themselves, to ensure the measure suits the aims of their intervention. The Committee decided it is not the role of the Society to recommend specific measures for particular patients at this time. The reasons given were:
- The measure must be appropriate for the aim of the intervention. This may vary according to the needs of individual patients, the reason for measuring, and the aim of the service.
- A national recommendation is only of use if the information then gained is used for a specific purpose. Resources would need to be attached to this to support the work this would require.
On balance, the Committee agreed it was not appropriate at this time for the Society to make recommendations of measures to use. However, it was noted that Clinical Interest and Occupational Groups may be interested in suggesting specific measures and the results obtained for benchmarking purposes. The committee did recognise that clinicians do want a steer. Their recommendation was for the Society to develop a means for collating information that has been produced that can be disseminated within the profession, and also to produce a framework for how a locally developed recommendation might be presented.
How can I find outcome measures
- Search the Outcome Measures database on this website. There has been a huge expansion in the development and application of questionnaires, interview schedules and rating scales that measure states of health and illness from the patient's perspective (Garratt et al, 2002). Collectively these methods are referred to as patient-assessed health instruments. Such instruments are completed by patients themselves or, when necessary, others on their behalf, to provide a measure of their experiences and concerns in relation to illness, health status and quality of life.
- There are now several internet lists / databases of measures to be found on our Outcome Measures bibliography page.
- Books with lists of information on outcome measures are cited in this section's bibliography.
- Contact CSP Library and Information Services to ask for assistance in tracking down specific outcome measures.
