Responsiveness of a Danish version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: This prospective cohort study in consecutive shoulder patients sought to determine the minimal, clinically important difference of the Danish version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and to evaluate patient responsiveness to it. The study was undertaken at the Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Viborg Regional Hospital, Denmark. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During clinical examination, patients completed a baseline questionnaire including the DASH questionnaire, the EuroQol-5D index and the EuroQol-VAS. A follow-up questionnaire concerning the patient's global impression of change was posted to the patients eight to nine weeks after the initial assessment. Responsiveness was analysed by correlation analysis and receiver-operating characteristic curve statistics. Using the optimal cut-off point of the receiver-operating characteristic curve, the minimal, clinically important difference was determined. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients with a variety of shoulder diagnoses were included. Only the DASH questionnaire demonstrated significant differences in change scores (p = 0.001). The area under the curve was 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.90), and a minimal clinically important difference of 12 points was found. CONCLUSION: The DASH questionnaire provides a response outcome measure in Danish-speaking orthopaedic shoulder patients.