In the field of outcome research, instruments (tools used to measure outcomes) are a potential source of health inequity. This is because they are often developed and tested in populations who regularly take part in research i.e. predominantly white, middle class and well-educated. As a result, they may not measure the outcome as well when applied to under-represented populations.

The aim of this working group is to describe the key questions for researchers to consider to promote health equity when developing or using outcome measures in rheumatology. We will discuss the key ways that population differences can be considered when developing or selecting an instrument for a study.