Minimum Important Change for the Patient Evaluation Measure in patients with finger fractures and joint injuries.

Abstract

The Minimum Important Change of the Patient Evaluation Measure for patients recovering from a finger fracture or joint injury was estimated to aid the design of future trials. Data from the Patient Outcomes for Finger Fractures and Joint Injuries prospective cohort study were used. Sixty participants were included. Patients were given the Patient Evaluation Measure questionnaire at baseline and at 6, 12 and 24 weeks with corresponding anchor questions. The Minimum Important Change values for the Patient Evaluation Measure at 24 weeks was between 12 and 17 depending on the statistical estimation method used. Although some variation existed across differing time-points, the range was broadly consistent. The Minimal Detectable Change was estimated as between 9 and 11.<b>Level of evidence:</b> II.