Discourse measurement in aphasia research: have we reached the tipping point? A core outcome set … or greater standardisation of discourse measures?

In their lead article, Dietz and Boyle (This issue) consider the evolution of discourse outcome measurement in aphasia rehabilitation, positing an urgent need for standardisation. We are undeniable advocates of the need for greater standardisation in research outcome measurement having recently completed a programme of research (known as ROMA: Improving Research Outcome Measurement in Aphasia) to develop a COS for aphasia treatment research (Wallace, Worrall, Le Dorze, & Rose, 2017; Wallace, Worrall, Rose, & Le Dorze, 2014a, 2014b, 2016a, 2016b; Wallace, Worrall, Rose, Le Dorze, & Brandenburg, 2017; Wallace et al., 2016). While we support the principles underlying the proposed endeavour, we question whether another COS is needed or whether efforts are better directed towards standardisation and validation of discourse outcome measures to allow them to be considered for inclusion within the existing ROMA COS.

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[2]  Aimee Dietz,et al.  Discourse measurement in aphasia research: have we reached the tipping point? , 2018 .

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[9]  Caroline B. Terwee,et al.  How to select outcome measurement instruments for outcomes included in a “Core Outcome Set” – a practical guideline , 2016, Trials.

[10]  L. Worrall,et al.  Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health to identify outcome domains for a core outcome set for aphasia: a comparison of stakeholder perspectives , 2019, Disability and rehabilitation.