A Standard Set for Outcome Measurement in Patients With Hand and Wrist Conditions: Consensus by the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Hand and Wrist Working Group

Purpose To describe the principles, process, and results of creating the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) standard set for hand and wrist conditions. Methods Following the standardized methods of ICHOM, an international working group of hand surgeons, therapists, and researchers was assembled to develop an evidence-based, patient-centered, standard set of outcome measures for patients with hand and wrist conditions. Multiple systematic reviews were performed to support our choices of outcome domains and tools for hand and wrist conditions. Fourteen video conferences were held between March 2018 and March 2020, and a modified Delphi process was used. Results A consensus was reached on 5 measurement tracks: the thumb, finger, wrist, nerve, and severe hand trauma tracks, with a distinction between regular and extended tracks for which specific allocation criteria applied. The standard set contains a selection of outcome tools and predefined time points for outcome measurement. Additionally, we developed a hierarchy for using the tracks when there are multiple conditions, and we selected risk-adjustment, case-mix variables. Conclusions The global implementation of the ICHOM standard set for hand and wrist conditions may facilitate value-based health care for patients with hand and wrist conditions. Copyright (C) 2021 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Automated summary

This study describes the principles, process, and results of creating the ICHOM standard set for hand and wrist conditions, with an international working group developing evidence-based outcome measures through systematic reviews and consensus-building. The standard set includes measurement tracks for thumb, finger, wrist, nerve, and severe hand trauma, with predefined outcome tools and time points for measurement, aiming to improve value-based healthcare for patients with hand and wrist conditions.