Psychometric properties of measurement instruments: Conceptual bases and evaluation methods - part I

Abstract

Objective: to present and discuss conceptual bases and evaluation methods that support important properties of measurement instruments. Method: a theoretical study based on the international and national literature and the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments e Evaluating the Measurement of Patient-Reported Outcome which contemplates concepts of evaluation of instruments for the evaluation of results reported by the patient. Initially, the concepts of reliability, responsiveness and interpretability are mentioned and discussed, as well as the main ways of evaluating the properties Results: it can be seen that there are still differences in some conceptual descriptions. However, the authors emphasize the importance of reliability in order to evaluate the measuring instrument. It is important to note the importance of knowing and understanding the Conceptual Model, the properties of measurements and the different evaluation methods that guarantee reliable and valid results, especially in the instrument validity studies. Conclusions: the discussion presented on reliability, responsiveness and interpretability which contributes to health professionals with theoretical knowledge, and a critical sense in the choice of instruments and in conducting analyzes on these measurement properties.