Introduction
The National Institutes of Health sponsored Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) aimed to create
item banks and computerized adaptive tests (CATs) across multiple domains for individuals with a range of chronic diseases.
Purpose
Web-based software was created to enable a researcher to create study-specific Websites that could administer PROMIS CATs
and other instruments to research participants or clinical samples. This paper outlines the process used to develop a user-friendly,
free, Web-based resource (Assessment CenterSM) for storage, retrieval, organization, sharing, and administration of patient-reported outcomes (PRO) instruments.
Methods
Joint Application Design (JAD) sessions were conducted with representatives from numerous institutions in order to supply
a general wish list of features. Use Cases were then written to ensure that end user expectations matched programmer specifications.
Program development included daily programmer “scrum” sessions, weekly Usability Acceptability Testing (UAT) and continuous
Quality Assurance (QA) activities pre- and post-release.
Results
Assessment Center includes features that promote instrument development including item histories, data management, and storage
of statistical analysis results.
Conclusions
This case study of software development highlights the collection and incorporation of user input throughout the development
process. Potential future applications of Assessment Center in clinical research are discussed.
Keywords Software - Software design - Outcome assessment (health care) - Psychometrics - Quality of life - Health surveys - Questionnaires