Validation of the Danish version of the Quick-Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: The Quick-Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire is an 11-item region-specific questionnaire used to measure the effect of clinical treatment of disorders and injuries to the upper extremity. During its original development, it was shown that the QuickDASH is a valid and reliable outcome measure. The purpose of this study was to validate the Danish version of the QuickDASH in patients with wrist fractures, using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) as an evaluation tool.

METHODS: We included patients with wrist fractures. They all answered the QuickDASH and the NHP during their ambulatory follow-up. We investigated time to complete questionnaire. Internal consistency was tested with Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability was tested using the intra-class correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman's 95% limits of agreement and difference of mean. Convergent validity was calculated as correlation with the domains of Pain and Physical mobility in the NHP, and content validity was tested to reveal floor and ceiling effects.

RESULTS: We included 61 patients. The time burden, Cronbach's alpha and the intra-class correlation coefficient were excellent. Pearson's correlation for convergent validity was high for both Pain and Physical mobility, and we recorded a divergent validity for the remaining domains of the NHP (Sleep and Social isolation). Furthermore, we found a good distribution of items showing no floor or ceiling effect.

CONCLUSION: The Danish version of the QuickDASH is a valid and practical questionnaire for use in Danish wrist fracture patients.

FUNDING: none.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.