Research
Can be used in research studies and clinical trials to study different approaches to treatments.
CONCEPT-DRIVEN APPROACH
LIMB-Q is a rigorously developed patient-reported outcome measure that can be used to measure outcomes in patients after lower extremity trauma, including patients who require soft tissue reconstruction (flaps or grafts) or amputation. LIMB-Q was developed from concept elicitation interviews with 33 patients after limb-threatening lower extremity trauma. To establish content validity, we conducted 12 cognitive debriefing interviews and obtained input from 43 experts. LIMB-Q was then field-tested internationally in 713 patients following lower extremity trauma in 24 countries.
MODULAR DESIGN
The conceptual framework for LIMB-Q covers 4 domains: limb, health-related quality of life, experience of care, and treatment. Each domain is composed of multiple independently functioning scales. The variety of scales provides flexibility to choose the subset of scales best suited to measure the outcomes of interest in any given study or clinical situation. An advantage of the modular structure, with individually scored scales, means it is possible to add new scales to fill any gaps as these are identified.
Advancing Knowledge &
Improving Health Outcomes
Industry
Carefully designed to meet the requirements of regulatory bodies.
Benchmarking
Can be used to benchmark outcomes in quality improvement initiatives.
Patient Care
Designed using a modern psychometric approach to facilitate use in patient care.
SCALE STRUCTURE
The LIMB-Q module includes 16 independently functioning scales that measure outcomes important to patients from their perspective. The LIMB-Q modular approach allows clinicians and researchers to administer the subset of scales relevant to their situation.
LIMB
A comprehensive set of 4 scales that measure the physical impact on the limb. Of this set, 2 scales measure appearance of the limb (appearance following reconstruction and amputation), 1 scale measures function, and 1 scale measures symptoms.
HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE
A comprehensive set of 6 scales that measure health-related quality of life. There are scales for the impact of injury on life, psychological well-being, and sexual well-being. There are also scales on the impact on work and the financial burden (or financial toxicity) related to the injury. Lastly, one scale measures expectations following treatment.
EXPERIENCE OF CARE
Three scales provide a means for evaluating the experience of receiving care for patients. These include 1 scale on satisfaction with information and 2 scales on satisfaction with members of the health care team.
TREATMENT
There are 3 treatment scales. This includes 1 scale on satisfaction with decisions, which also serves as a decision-regret scale. There are 2 prosthetic-specific scales, 1 for function and 1 for satisfaction.
LIMB-Q FRAMEWORK
CO-DEVELOPERS
Dr Lily Mundy
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, US
Q-Portfolio
Dr Anne Klassen
McMaster University, CA
Q-Portfolio
Dr Andrea Pusic
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, US
Q-Portfolio
Setting the Bar in
Patient Reported
Outcome Measurement
Funding Provided By:
