A web-compatible instrument for measuring self-reported disease activity in arthritis

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J Rheumatol. 2004 Feb;31(2):223-8.

A web-compatible instrument for measuring self-reported disease activity

in arthritis.

Athale N, Sturley A, Skoczen S, Kavanaugh A, Lenert L.

Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs San Diego

Healthcare System, Veterans Medical Research Foundation, University of

California, San Diego (UCSD), California 92161, USA.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a Web-based computer health assessment survey for

patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to evaluate the survey in

comparison with current paper versions. METHODS: Utilizing data from a

study on RA, we compared results from 43 patients attending a

university-based clinic who were each given a paper and a demonstration

computer version of a patient self-assessment questionnaire including

multiple-choice questions from a multi-dimensional Health Assessment

Questionnaire (HAQ); visual analog scales (VAS) for pain, fatigue, and

global disease severity; and a tender and swollen joint count reporting

tool. Patients were given optional followup surveys to determine their

opinion of the computer program. RESULTS: High correlations (intraclass

correlation coefficient > 0.9) were seen across methods for the 10-item

HAQ and psychological distress scores and the VAS scores for pain and

global disease severity. Moderate correlation was observed for the

self-efficacy scores, the VAS scores for fatigue, and tender joint

counts. The data also revealed a small shift in the mean scores for the

HAQ and self-efficacy questions, with patients reporting slightly higher

scores on the computer instrument. Overall, patient opinions of the

uniquely designed joint count tool were good, with 71% of responding

patients answering favorably.

CONCLUSION: Web-based computer versions of patient self-assessment

surveys in RA are comparable to paper versions, and their use in clinics

or over the Internet could dramatically facilitate the ability of

physicians to monitor patients' health.

PMID: 14760788

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Mayo Clinic in Rochester

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s Hopkins Medicine

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