Short Forms

The other measurement systems in HealthMeasures (i.e., Neuro-QoL, NIH Toolbox, ASCQ-Me) have only one short form per domain. If you know you want a short form from one of these systems, use the one that is available.

Characteristics of Short Forms

• Short forms have a fixed set of questions (items). This is usually between 4 and 10.
• Short forms measure one domain (like Fatigue or Anxiety).
• They usually generate one score.

Short Form Length Matters

• The shortest short forms (e.g., 4 items) are brief, but have less measurement precision than longer versions.
• Longer short forms (e.g., 8 items) take more time to complete, but have more measurement precision than the shortest short forms.
• Any short form may have limited sensitivity for people who are at the extremes like those with really exceptional physical function or those with really impaired physical function.

When to Use Shortest Short Forms (e.g., 4 items)

• Good for screening (e.g., screen patients for depression).
• Good for comparing large groups to each other (like those with more than 75 people in each subgroup).
• Good for use in population health.

When to Use Longer Short Forms (e.g., 8 items)

• Good for comparing small groups to each other (like those with 50-75 people in each subgroup).
• Good when evaluating a person such as monitoring a patient as part of their care.

Below are hypothetical examples of instances when a HealthMeasures user needed to select a short form.

Assessing the Impact of an Exercise Intervention on Fatigue in Older Adults

Researchers want to assess the impact of an exercise intervention on fatigue in older adults. In this study, participants have a range of health conditions. A PROMIS measure has been selected as it can be used across conditions. The study is recruiting a large sample (e.g., 200 participants), thus, the intervention and control groups will be large (i.e., 100 participants). Using the tables above, the PROMIS short form recommended for comparing large groups is the PROMIS Fatigue 7a. If the sample was smaller (e.g., 100 participants) and therefore the two groups being compared were smaller (i.e., 50 participants), the table above would recommend the PROMIS Fatigue 13a for comparing the smaller groups.

Monitoring Anxiety Symptoms in a Behavioral Health Clinic

A mental and behavioral health specialist wants to monitor anxiety symptoms in their clients participating in psychotherapy. Clients will be asked to complete an anxiety measure prior to each session, and then they will review their responses and final score with the provider. Because the anxiety measure will be used to assess single individuals, the provider selects the PROMIS Anxiety 8a short form as recommended in the tables above.