A Clinician’s Guide to Performance Outcome Measurements

Abstract

AbstractThe role of the clinical evaluator in delivering measurements of motor performance is a key one. Good assessment enables effective management and in the trial setting enables partners to be confident in the reliability of their motor endpoints as a true reflection of the compound’s efficacy. Here we explore how Rasch analysis enhances more traditional evaluations of reliability and validity in the evaluation of performance using practical examples to explain why and discuss the importance of the role of clinicians in the interpretation and decision-making process when using Rasch analysis. The North Star Ambulatory Assessment designed for use in ambulant Duchenne muscular dystrophy illustrates the role of these methods. The role of the clinician is to ensure that wherever we assess a patient—in clinic, at home or via video link—the measured value and clinical meaning can be understood and potentially equated in relationship to other similar scales conducted in an alternative forum. Our ability to interact with and be aware of the individual at the heart of all these assessments means we are uniquely placed to ensure best care is given.