Compare Measurement Systems

  • PROMIS, Neuro-QoL and ASCQ-Me include self- and parent-report measures (i.e., Patient-reported Outcome Measures).

  • PROMIS is appropriate for use across health conditions. Neuro-QoL is intended for neurological populations. ASCQ-Me is intended for people with sickle-cell disease.

  • Measurement systems can be used independently or together (e.g,. ASCQ-Me + PROMIS).

  • NIH Toolbox includes self-report Emotion measures similar to PROMIS.

  • NIH Toolbox includes performance tests of cognitive, motor, and sensory function (also known as “objective measures”).

PROMIS

  • Self- and parent-reported measures of physical, mental, and social health
  • Created to be relevant across all conditions for the assessment of symptoms and functions
  • Available in multiple formats (e.g., computer adaptive tests, short forms)
  • Integrated into diverse administration platforms
  • Appropriate for use in diverse research and clinical practice settings
  • Translated into many languages

Neuro-QoL

  • Developed and validated for common neurological conditions
  • Self- and parent-reported measures of physical, mental, and social health
  • Available in multiple formats (e.g., computer adaptive tests, short forms)
  • Integrated into diverse administration platforms
  • Appropriate for use in diverse research and clinical practice settings
  • Translated into many languages

ASCQ-Me

  • Developed and validated for adults with sickle cell disease
  • Self-report measures of physical, mental, and social health
  • Available in multiple formats (e.g., computer adaptive tests, short forms)
  • Integrated into diverse administration platforms
  • Appropriate for use in diverse research and clinical practice settings

NIH Toolbox

  • Neuro-behavioral performance tests of cognitive, sensory, and emotional function
  • Self- and parent-report measures of emotional health
  • Well-suited for measuring outcomes in longitudinal studies (ages 3 – 85)
  • Scores comparable to U.S. general population by age
  • Available in English and Spanish

Examples of Selecting Between Measurement Systems

  • A researcher is interested in understanding cognitive and social functioning in people after a stroke. In a research study with people with stroke, the researcher used NIH Toolbox Cognitive Function tests to evaluate language, memory, processing speed, attention, and executive function for performance-based evaluation. The researcher also used Neuro-QoL self-reports of social function (e.g., Ability to Participate in Social Roles). The researcher used Neuro-QoL rather than PROMIS because stroke is a neurological condition. The researcher could have used PROMIS if interested in comparing stroke patients to a non-neurological patient population. However, in this case the researcher selected Neuro-QoL because measures are designed for neurological populations in particular.
  • In an orthopedic surgery clinic, all patients complete PROMIS Physical Function and Pain Interference computer adaptive tests (CATs). Self-report measures were selected to provide the patient’s perspective on their health. PROMIS measures were selected as they are appropriate for use with people with any condition. Performance-based tests of physical function (e.g., locomotion) provide different information than self-report and were not feasible to add in a busy clinic setting.

Use the HealthMeasures Decision Tree to determine which measurement system(s) are most appropriate for your needs. Learn more>>

To learn about differences between PROMIS measures, see Differences Between PROMIS Measures.

 

Last updated on 7/12/2024