Inter-observer reliability of brachial plexus outcome measure in children with brachial plexus palsy

Aim: Many scales have developed to assess daily living activities, clinical functions of patients with brachial plexus palsy. "Brachial Plexus Outcome Measure " was developed by Emily Ho in 2012, activity and self-rating substance scale consisting of components total 14 items. Aim of this study, make an inter-observer reliability of scale, to make clinical trial in patients.

Materials and Methods:Demographic and clinic datas recorded,"Brachial Plexus Outcome Measure " was applied by two different observers. Inter-observer reliability in items examined by using kappa statistic.

Results:Eighteen female (37.5%) totally 48 patients included. Mean inter-observer agreement in the items was almost perfect (kappa 0.93) in raters. Fitted statistics showed much variation in observers had moderate (kappa 0.57) agreement in items.

Conclusion: Between observes, “Brachial Plexus Outcome Measure” is reliable measurement for assessing functions in children with brachial plexus palsy in Turkey. Clinical usage is appropriate.