Introduction to Item Response Theory and Computerized Adaptive Testing for Outcomes Measurement Instruments (Part I)
*Karon Cook, University of Washington 
*Laura Lee Johnson, NIH 
*Irene Katzan, Cleveland Clinic and The MetroHealth System 
*Nan Rothrock, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine 

Keywords:

Research studies and clinicians increasingly collect self-reported health measures. However, the development and interpretation of the measurements are often overlooked. Many new patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments use modern measurement theory, offering advantages in instrument creation and application. Attendees will become familiar with basic item response theory (IRT) terminology, what it is, how it works, and how IRT compares to classical test theory. Speakers also will discuss the fundamentals of computerized adaptive testing (CAT) and what is required to create and administer CAT. Key points and a description of how PRO instruments can be used in health policy research will be illustrated. Examples of implementation problems focused on system integration, computer-based testing and CAT/IRT also will be discussed.