The QuickDASH is an appropriate tool for measuring the quality of recovery after upper limb burn injury.

BACKGROUND

Upper limb (UL) burns commonly result in significant dysfunction. The measurement of disability is vital to assess recovery after burn injury. The QuickDASH questionnaire was developed to evaluate UL disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate its validity, repeatability and responsiveness for burn patients.

METHODS

In 2006, 85 patients with UL burns were recruited at Royal Perth Hospital. Each completed both QuickDASH and Burns Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B) at regular intervals after their burn. Further, 67 patients repeated the questionnaire 1 day after completing it at discharge.

RESULTS

Validity-Criterion validity was demonstrated between QuickDASH and BSHS-B through good correlations (r(2)=-0.79 to -0.89). Construct validity was demonstrated using burn severity markers. QuickDASH scores significantly differed when grouped according to major burn, full thickness burn, surgery and need for hospital admission. Repeatability-QuickDASH showed excellent repeatability (ICC=0.93). Responsiveness-Effect size of QuickDASH was demonstrated to be greater than BSHS-B at all measurement points.

CONCLUSIONS

This longitudinal study confirms the validity, repeatability and responsiveness of the QuickDASH outcome measure in patients with upper limb burns. It supports the use of the QuickDASH in this population to help assess change in functional level.