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Table 4 Minimal important differences calculated by observed- and adjusted mean score changes

From: Minimal important differences and response shift in health-related quality of life; a longitudinal study in patients with multiple myeloma

  

Observed changes

(Post-test - Pre-test)

Adjusted changes

(Post-test - Then-test)

 

N

Mean change

SD

95% CI

Mean change

SD

95% CI

Pain a

234*

 

30.8*

    

    improved

58

-14.7

35.9

(-24,-5)

-17.5

27.1

(-25,-10)

    unchanged

126

-1.7

20.9

(-5,2)

4.9

19.5

(2,8)

    deteriorated

50

+17.3

23.1

(11,24)

+27.0

29.9

(19,35)

Fatigue a

233*

 

25.3*

    

    improved

56

-13.5

24.7

(-20,-7)

-13.9

26.3

(-21,-7)

    unchanged

119

-2.0

17.3

(-5,1)

4.6

16.5

(2,8)

    deteriorated

58

+8.6

23.4

(3,15)

+20.5

22.3

(15,26)

Physical Function b

227*

 

22.6*

    

    improved

73

+6.2

15.3

(3,10)

+9.3

16.1

(6, 13)

    unchanged

96

-0.1

12.6

(-3,3)

-1.6

10.4

(4,0)

    deteriorated

58

-12.8

19.2

(-18,-8)

-20.1

18.9

(-15,-25)

Quality of Life b

238*

 

23.9*

    

    improved

79

+7.6

23.7

(2,13)

+14.7

19.8

(10,19)

    unchanged

110

0.4

19.1

(-3,4)

1.3

15.7

(-2,4)

    deteriorated

49

-12.1

21.2

(-18,-6)

-12.2

14.7

(-8,-12)

  1. a: Positive scores mean worse symptoms
  2. b: Positive scores mean better functioning
  3. †: Observed changes are defined as minimal important differences because these are the changes that patients regard as a definite improvement or deterioration)
  4. *: Total sample (improved, no change and deteriorated)
  5. CI: Confidence Interval