Evaluating neurological outcome measures: the bare essentials.

Evaluating neurological outcome measures: the bare essentials Chronic impairment is a common consequence of neuro- logical disease. Many of these disorders affect the younger age group and are often progressive over many decades. Measurement of health related outcomes such as disability, handicap, and quality of life are therefore important in the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy. To ensure sound measurement of these outcomes, it is essential that the instruments used have been compre- hensively evaluated not only in terms of clinical appropri- ateness but also, and perhaps more importantly, with respect to their scientific properties. Clinicians are often unfamiliar with the rigorous scientific techniques required to design and evaluate health measurement tools largely because the theoretical foundations and methodological concepts, which originated in the social sciences, have been slow to transfer to medicine. This editorial introduces these concepts and provides a basis of knowledge for informed decision making in the evalua- on July 21, 2023 by guest.