Establishing expert consensus on the evaluation of pediatric upper extremity function

Abstract

Study designConsensus statement. IntroductionThere is a lack of consensus in the literature on the measures of pediatric upper extremity (UE) function for musculoskeletal conditions. PurposeTo establish expert consensus on utility, satisfaction and importance of functional outcome measures in children with UE musculoskeletal conditions, across International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains. MethodsUsing Delphi Consensus Methodology, expert panelists completed three rounds of questionnaires. ResultsAgreement on Body Functions and Structure, Activity, and Participation outcome measures was determined (α, ICC range = 0.86–0.96). Mean satisfaction of measures in the respective domains was between 6.93 and 7.94. The Activity domain had lowest satisfaction, however there was consensus it was the most important. DiscussionConsensus on relative importance, but low satisfaction in the Activity domain suggests a need for better outcomes in this domain. ConclusionsFindings report the status of outcome measure utility and use in pediatric UE function. Level of evidence5