One of the research instruments used in clinical studies is the short form health survey. The instrument was developed in 1988 or rather it was in its developmental form in 1988, and then in 1990 it was in its standard form. The purpose of the instruments is to assess different areas concerning the health of individuals in a manner that is both comprehensive and ephemeral such that the focus is put on a person’s viewpoint. The variables that the instrument bases its interest on include; social operations, physical operations, the limitations of roles because of emotional issues, limitations of roles because of problems in physical health, common health perceptions, common issues in mental health, the vitality of the human body and also pain in the body (Ware, 2000). Short Form Health Survey Essay
The variables were selected from outcomes of an experiment by the Rand Health Insurance. The study had found forty medical results and hence the variables selected from the number. The first population that the instrument was applied entailed adults who spoke English. The study took place between the year 1986-1987 in the states of Massachusetts, Boston, Chicago, California, Los Angeles and Illinois. More than fifteen thousand of the participants finished filling the questionnaire while the medical practitioners that were responsible for their treatments provided details concerning their health conditions (Ware, 2000).
In regards to psychometric properties, factor analysis has proved the validity of the need for the associated eight scales that align with the present physical and mental factors. Also, various studies on the validity and reliability of the instruments have indicated a reliability score of more than seven and also validity in regards to criterion, construct, content, predictive, and concurrent validity. Furthermore, when it comes to the measuring and screening processes f various diseases, the individual scales have been useful (Ware, 2000). Short Form Health Survey Essay