FAQs

Because there are many versions of the instruments we use in rheumatology and we may be
using the ones with poorer validation. The EULAR OML aims to be a comprehensive catalogue of
validated instruments (indices, questionnaires, scales, or others), with an emphasis on PROs
used in rheumatology.

• Besides our love for this growing field of research, there are the following reasons why
  we created this catalogue in rheumatology:
  To reduce variability through Europe.
  The use of instruments in research based on scientific grounds—the level of validation
  achieved and appropriateness for the clinical situation—will improve the scientific level
  of projects, and will reduce variability among countries with lower development or support
  on methodological matters.
• To increase transparency.
  The methodology for including instruments is explicit, and anyone can contribute if an
  instrument or a version is missing.
• To increase the awareness of researchers outside the field of rheumatology.
• To educate the rheumatology community
  on the concepts of measure and validation of instruments, and on the importance of using
  the right tool in the appropriate way.

This EULAR resource is open to all who have an interest in PROs. You can contribute by
sending us information about a given PRO, or on a long term by committing for any given
rheumatic or musculoskeletal disease or topic (e.g., work productivity).

The OML is a EULAR-funded project. The initial volunteers were unpaid. Those who contribute
are not paid either. Each year a paid fellow updates and fixes bugs in the OML. The
pharmaceutical industry plays no role in the OML.

• PROs which are copyrighted are not presented in full text version since they are
  copyrighted. Instead, we present the link to the owner, and to the landing page.
• Who selects the questionnaires in the OML and how are they selected?
• The instruments are found by a systematic literature review coupled with expert opinion,
  by volunteers who are experts in their field. There is no selection of PROs since our
  aim is to be exhaustive for all PROs used in the field of rheumatology and published at
  least in English. If you think a PRO should be included and was not, please, let us know.

Errors and omissions are absolutely possible. We have to manage a myriad of questionnaires
and our time is limited. If you find an error, please, let us know.