A visual analogue scale for assessment of the impact of rheumatoid arthritis in the hand: validity and repeatability.

A visual analogue scale was developed by French rheumatologists to measure the impact caused by rheumatoid arthritis of the hand (VAS-Hand). This article reports the use of the measure. First, the validity of the VAS-Hand was investigated by interviewing patients to understand how they interpreted and answered these questions. Second, the measure was compared with disability, pain, and impairment measures to determine whether it provided additional information. Finally, the repeatability of the measure was defined as within 1.5 points out of ten. The visual analogue scale of handicap from rheumatoid arthritis of the hand provides different information than do health status or disability questionnaires, or strength and motion assessment. The responsiveness of the VAS-Hand is under investigation in a longitudinal study.