Annual Conference10–11 November 2017,Norwich UK

Abstract

ObjectivesTo compare the outcome measures of using the disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) to those of the Canadian Outcome Performance Measures (COPM) in determining patient-rated outcomes before and after a course of hand therapy group rehabilitation.MethodsThe DASH and the COPM were used during a six-month period for ten patients starting hand rehabilitation group sessions. Both outcome measures were used prior to commencement and again at the completion of their block of sessions. Two patients submitted two sets of measurements.ResultsThe changes in score of the two outcome measures were compared to test the sensitivity to change in this cohort. Five of these patients showed significant change in their performance score with COPM, four of who also demonstrated significant progress in the DASH. Seven of these patients showed significant change in the satisfaction scores with COPM. In total, five patients showed significant change in the DASH. Due to repeat readings, 58% of patients showed a significant change in their COPM satisfaction scores, and 41% showed a significant change in both their COPM performance and DASH scores. The Pearson correlation coefficient between individual average performance scores and the individual DASH scores was −0.59 with a p value of 0.004. This shows a moderate negative correlation between COPM performance and the DASH. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the individual average satisfaction score and the individual DASH scores was −0.51 with a p value of 0.015. Again, this shows a moderate negative correlation between the COPM satisfaction and the DASH.ConclusionsResults suggest that the COPM can be used successfully as a patient rated outcome in hand therapy. There appears to be a moderate negative correlation between COPM and DASH scores. In terms of sensitivity to change within a varied, complex client group, the COPM appears to have as much sensitivity as the DASH.