Summary of findings tables for measurement property reviews: The evolution and application of OMERACT's summary of measurement properties (SOMP) Table

Background

Literature reviews of measurement properties of an outcome measurement instrument are fast becoming the evidence base for making decisions about the suitability of the instrument for a given application. In our case at OMERACT it is the fitness of an instrument for inclusion in a Core Outcome Set. Transparency in the processes and decision making at each step are important to allow consumers of the literature review to have a clear understanding of the decision-making process. We used an iterative process between methodologists and users to develop a summary of measurement properties table (SOMP) as a knowledge translation tool to communicate what was done, what was found, and what recommendations can be made from it. This, in turn, would provide a readily accessible, summary of findings for those who may need this information to make informed decisions about the adequacy of evidence concerning a measurement instrument.

Methods

Working with key collaborators and end users, including patients, clinical trialists, clinicians, and methodologists across several disease areas, the information that is needed to be included in a SOMP was determined, and initial designs laid out. Users provided feedback and revisions, which were integrated while ensuring the core elements were also being communicated.

Results

Several features emerged for inclusion in the SOMP: the background context for the review, all the evidence that went into the review, what was done in the review process, and the decision made based on the review. The SOMP was designed to capture this in a single document. Working group feedback helped to improve overall understandability.

Conclusions

The SOMP was designed to capture the body of evidence available on the measurement properties for a given instrument, and the processes used to come to a decision about its fit with the intended application. In our case whether it was of good enough quality for use in a Core Outcome Set to represent the domain of interest. The SOMP's iterative development within a multidisciplinary consensus-based organization has helped us develop a tool useful in transparent communication about methods and decision-making made in a given review.