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. 2010 Jun;19(5):677-85.
doi: 10.1007/s11136-010-9634-4. Epub 2010 Mar 21.

The development of a clinical outcomes survey research application: Assessment Center

Richard Gershon  1 , Nan E Rothrock, Rachel T Hanrahan, Liz J Jansky, Mark Harniss, William Riley
Affiliations

The development of a clinical outcomes survey research application: Assessment Center

Richard Gershon et al. Qual Life Res. 2010 Jun.

Abstract

Introduction: The National Institutes of Health sponsored Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) aimed to create item banks and computerized adaptive tests (CATs) across multiple domains for individuals with a range of chronic diseases.

Purpose: Web-based software was created to enable a researcher to create study-specific Websites that could administer PROMIS CATs and other instruments to research participants or clinical samples. This paper outlines the process used to develop a user-friendly, free, Web-based resource (Assessment Center) for storage, retrieval, organization, sharing, and administration of patient-reported outcomes (PRO) instruments.

Methods: Joint Application Design (JAD) sessions were conducted with representatives from numerous institutions in order to supply a general wish list of features. Use Cases were then written to ensure that end user expectations matched programmer specifications. Program development included daily programmer "scrum" sessions, weekly Usability Acceptability Testing (UAT) and continuous Quality Assurance (QA) activities pre- and post-release.

Results: Assessment Center includes features that promote instrument development including item histories, data management, and storage of statistical analysis results.

Conclusions: This case study of software development highlights the collection and incorporation of user input throughout the development process. Potential future applications of Assessment Center in clinical research are discussed.

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Figures

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Fig. 1
Add an instrument
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Item statistics
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Fig. 3
PROMIS profile report
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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