Title | A Retrospective Cohort Study of QuickDASH Scores for Three Hand Therapy Acute Upper Limb Conditions. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2018 |
Authors | Smith-Forbes V, Howell DM, Willoughby J, Pitts DG, Uhl TL |
Journal | Mil Med |
Volume | 183 |
Issue | suppl_1 |
Pagination | 522-529 |
Date Published | 2018 03 01 |
ISSN | 1930-613X |
Keywords | Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Cohort Studies, Female, Hand, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Occupational Therapy, Physical Functional Performance, Retrospective Studies, Severity of Illness Index, Surveys and Questionnaires, Upper Extremity |
Abstract | Introduction: The QuickDASH is a valid and reliable outcome measure widely used to assess the function and pain in arm, shoulder, and hand disabilities. A recent study introduced a QuickDASH 80% cut point test to gauge patients at risk of poor outcomes. However, the utility of this test has not been validated. Purpose: To determine typical QuickDASH scores for three upper limb conditions and to test the sensitivity and specificity of the QuickDASH 80% cut point test in predicting patients at risk of poor outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective study with a total of 406 patient records for whom QuickDASH scores were examined. The sensitivity and specificity of the QuickDASH 80% cut point test was investigated for three acute upper limb conditions seen in hand therapy: surgical distal radius fracture, nonsurgical lateral epicondylitis, and carpal tunnel release. Results: Typical scores were determined for three upper limb conditions. The QuickDASH 80% cut point test per upper limb condition returned poor sensitivity between 28.57% and 41.67%. Conclusion: The results did not support the QuickDASH 80% cut point test as a predictor of final outcome in these three patient populations. Patients with the worse initial 20% scores were not correctly classified as worse 20% final scores. This study provides summary data from three upper limb conditions to provide clinicians with comparison data to establish goals and educate patients. |
DOI | 10.1093/milmed/usx199 |
Alternate Journal | Mil Med |
PubMed ID | 29635595 |