Standard Psychometric Criteria for Measurements in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

Abstract

Measurements of person's variable, such as behavior, perceptions, or attitudes, are essential to physical and rehabilitation medicine in both clinical practice and research. These measurements are commonly based on cumulative questionnaires and follow special statistical rules, belonging to the domain of psychometrics. Selecting the most appropriate measurement is critical. This article provides an overview of the standard psychometric criteria to consider in measurement selection. The article focuses on the criteria related to the contemporary psychometric approach as it considers the construct, the target population, and the purpose for which measurements are used. Common strategies related to psychometric testing are discussed and applied to critically appraise, as a representative example, one of the most commonly used pain measurements: Brief Pain Inventory. The measurement construct, conceptual framework, target population, purpose, and psychometric properties are highlighted. Observed limitations for its implementation in different settings also are discussed.