Categorization and recommendations for outcome measures for lower limb absence by an expert panel.

Background: Understanding the psychometric strengths and limitations of outcome measures for use with people with lower limb absence (LLA) is important for selecting measures suited to evaluating patient outcomes, answering clinical and research questions, and informing health care policy. The aim of this project was to review the current psychometric evidence on outcome measures in people with LLA to determine which measures should be included in a stakeholder consensus process.

Methods: An expert panel was assembled, and a 3-stage review process was used to categorize outcome measures identified in a systematic literature review into 3 distinct categories (recommended for measures with better than adequate psychometric properties; recommended with qualification; and unable to recommend).

Psychometric properties of outcome measures for lower-limb absence: A protocol for a systematic review.

Background: Outcome measures are an important part of clinical practice to assist with the care of individuals with lower-limb absence (LLA). They aid with the devising and evaluation of rehabilitation plans, and guide decisions regarding the provision and funding of prosthetic services worldwide. To date, no outcome measure has been identified as a gold standard for use in individuals with LLA.

Recommendations from the ISPO lower-limb COMPASS: Patient-reported and performance-based outcome measures.

Background: Outcome measures (patient-reported and performance-based) are used widely but not uniformly within the clinical setting for individuals with lower-limb absence (LLA). The need for more detailed information by funding bodies, service planners and providers, and researchers requires the systematic and routine use of outcome measures. Currently, there is no consensus on which outcome measure(s) should be used for individuals with LLA.