Minimal Clinically Important Difference: A Review of Outcome Measure Score Interpretation

Lisa Engel; Dorcas E Beaton; Zahi Touma

doi:10.1016/j.rdc.2018.01.011

Minimal Clinically Important Difference: A Review of Outcome Measure Score Interpretation

Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2018 May;44(2):177-188. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2018.01.011. Epub 2018 Feb 21.

Authors

Lisa Engel¹, Dorcas E Beaton², Zahi Touma³

Affiliations

¹ Toronto Western Hospital/University Health Network, 399 Bathurst Street, Room 1E-412, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada.
² Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto; Health Sciences Building, 155 College Street, Suite 425, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M6, Canada; Institute for Work & Health, 481 University Avenue, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2E9, Canada.
³ Toronto Western Hospital/University Health Network, 399 Bathurst Street, Room 1E-412, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto; Health Sciences Building, 155 College Street, Suite 425, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M6, Canada; Institute for Work & Health, 481 University Avenue, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2E9, Canada. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 29622290
DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2018.01.011

Abstract

Clinicians, researchers, and outcome stakeholders have the crucial, albeit difficult, task of quantifying when a person or group experiences important change or difference on any given outcome measure, often in response to a specific intervention. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) provides this quantified value of change/difference for a measure. There are many methods for MCID derivation, which can result in multiple values for the same measure. Thus, it is important for potential users of MCID values to be aware of the nuances of MCID development and cautions for interpreting values. This review outlines MCID-related definitions, methods, and guidelines.

Keywords: Change; Difference; Important; Methodology; Minimal important change; Outcomes assessment; Reproducibility of results.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Biomedical Research*
Humans
Minimal Clinically Important Difference*
Rheumatology*