Translating Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) scores into clinical practice by suggesting severity strata derived using anchor-based methods

Abstract

Background: The Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) is a validated, patient-derived assessment measure for monitoring atopic eczema severity, although further information on how different POEM scores translate into disease severity categories is needed for clinical trials, epidemiological research and audit.

Objectives: We sought to determine the relationship between Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) scores (range 0-28) and two Global Questions (GQ1 and 2) concerning patients'/parents' views of the overall severity of their/their child's atopic eczema, in order to stratify POEM scores into five severity bands.

Methods: POEM scores and GQs were completed by 300 patients from general practice and 700 patients from dermatology outpatient clinics, including 300 adults aged ≥ 16 years and 700 children.

Results: The mean POEM score was 13·6 (range 0-28), and standard deviation (SD) was 7·2. Mean GQ1/GQ2 scores were 2·1/2·1, respectively (range 0-4 and SD 1·1 for both). The mean, mode and median of the GQ scores for each POEM score were used to devise possible POEM bandings. The proposed banding for POEM scores are: 0-2 (clear/almost clear); 3-7 (mild); 8-16 (moderate); 17-24 (severe); 25-28 (very severe), kappa coefficient 0·46.

Conclusions: Severity banding of the POEM will allow more clinically meaningful use in everyday clinical practice and as a core outcome measure in future atopic eczema research.

© 2013 The Authors. British Journal of Dermatology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Association of Dermatologists.

Figures

Figure 1

Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), questionnaire for use in adults and children (or parents/carers) with atopic eczema.

Figure 2

Global questions, GQ1 and 2

Figure 3

Relationship between the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) scores and the mode, mean and median of the Global Question (GQ1) score. The proposed banding scale of POEM scores 0–2, 3–7, 8–16, 17–24 and 25–28 is shown.