Measuring upper limb disability for patients with neck pain: evaluation of the feasibility of the Single Arm Military Press (SAMP) test

Background Non-specific neck pain (NSNP) is frequently associated with upper limb disability (ULD). Consequently, evaluation of ULD using an outcome measure is necessary during the management of patients with NSNP. The Single Arm Military Press (SAMP) test is a performance-based ULD measure developed for populations with neck pain. During the SAMP test, patients are asked to repeatedly lift a weight above their head for 30 seconds. The number of repetitions is counted. Its clinical utility in a patient group is still unknown. Objective This study investigates the feasibility of the SAMP test from patients and clinicians’ perspectives. Methods Seventy female patients with NSNP were randomly allocated into one of three groups. Participants in each group completed the SAMP test using one of three proposed weights (½kg, 1kg or 1½kg). The feasibility of the SAMP test was established using structured qualitative exit feedback interviews for patients and administrating clinicians. Results Participants using ½kg achieved the highest number of repetitions, but a high proportion reported the weight as extremely light, whereas those who tested using the 1½kg achieved the lowest number of repetitions and participants reported the weight as being heavy. Participants tested using 1kg achieved an average number of repetitions and a high proportion reported the weight as acceptably heavy. Clinicians and patients reported that the SAMP test was efficient and convenient. Conclusion The 1kg SAMP test is feasible for use in female patients with NSNP. The measurement properties of the SAMP test should be determined in a patient group

Establishment of a core outcome set for burn care research: development and international consensus

Objective: To develop a core outcome set for international burn research.Design: Development and international consensus, from April 2017 to November 2019.Methods: Candidate outcomes were identified from systematic reviews and stakeholder interviews. Through a Delphi survey, international clinicians, researchers, and UK patients prioritised outcomes. Anonymised feedback aimed to achieve consensus. Pre-defined criteria for retaining outcomes were agreed. A consensus meeting with voting was held to finalise the core outcome set.Results: Data source examination identified 1021 unique outcomes grouped into 88 candidate outcomes. Stakeholders in round 1 of the survey, included 668 health professionals from 77 countries (18% from low or low middle income countries) and 126 UK patients or carers. After round 1, one outcome was discarded, and 13 new outcomes added. After round 2, 69 items were discarded, leaving 31 outcomes for the consensus meeting. Outcome merging and voting, in two rounds, with prespecified thresholds agreed seven core outcomes: death, specified complications, ability to do daily tasks, wound healing, neuropathic pain and itch, psychological wellbeing, and return to school or work.Conclusions: This core outcome set caters for global burn research, and future trials are recommended to include measures of these outcomes

Electronic patient-reported outcome measures in burn scar rehabilitation : a guide to implementation and evaluation

In burn scar rehabilitation, electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) are increasingly being used in research and clinical settings as part of patient- and family-centred care. These measures can identify patients’ needs and monitor the therapeutic progress of both adults and children. The feedback of information from ePROMs to clinicians treating patients with scarring and psychosocial issues may have therapeutic benefits. However, testing the effectiveness of ePROMs used in the routine clinical care of patients with burn scarring is in its infancy, and one of the greatest challenges remains the implementation of ePROMs in real-world clinical settings. The aim of this paper is to provide a guide for clinicians and researchers involved in burn scar rehabilitation to assist in implementing ePROMs in clinical settings. The guide outlines strategies, processes, and considerations for ePROM implementation and the accompanying resources. Two real-world case studies of ePROM implementation are presented in burn scar clinics in Belgium and Australia. Additionally, ten recommendations for the implementation of ePROMs are provided based on research evidence and the lessons learned by the authors. The information provided should pave the way forward for using and testing these ePROMs in research and practice

Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Burn Scar Rehabilitation: A Guide to Implementation and Evaluation

In burn scar rehabilitation, electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) are increasingly being used in research and clinical settings as part of patient- and family-centred care. These measures can identify patients’ needs and monitor the therapeutic progress of both adults and children. The feedback of information from ePROMs to clinicians treating patients with scarring and psychosocial issues may have therapeutic benefits. However, testing the effectiveness of ePROMs used in the routine clinical care of patients with burn scarring is in its infancy, and one of the greatest challenges remains the implementation of ePROMs in real-world clinical settings. The aim of this paper is to provide a guide for clinicians and researchers involved in burn scar rehabilitation to assist in implementing ePROMs in clinical settings. The guide outlines strategies, processes, and considerations for ePROM implementation and the accompanying resources. Two real-world case studies of ePROM implementation are presented in burn scar clinics in Belgium and Australia. Additionally, ten recommendations for the implementation of ePROMs are provided based on research evidence and the lessons learned by the authors. The information provided should pave the way forward for using and testing these ePROMs in research and practice