Research Methods & Study Design

An evaluation of a research manuscript or funding proposal by independent experts in the same field, to verify its quality, accuracy, and relevance before publication or funding is granted.

Organizations or entities that fund health research programs or projects.

A measure of a patient‘s health, symptoms, or quality of life reported directly by the patient ‚Äî without interpretation by a clinician. Captures experiences that cannot be observed externally, such as pain or fatigue.

Research that actively engages patients as partners, focuses on patient-identified priorities, and aims to generate knowledge that directly improves patient outcomes and health systems.

A validated system of questionnaires (PROMIS) measuring how patients feel and function across physical, mental, and social health. Designed to be flexible and comparable across different studies and conditions.

An OMERACT member with lived experience of a rheumatic or musculoskeletal condition who actively participates in research activities alongside clinicians and researchers, ensuring the work reflects real patient needs and priorities.

A 22-item questionnaire measuring the quality of patient engagement in health research, assessing dimensions such as support, influence, and communication.

A structured approach ensuring patients are meaningfully involved at every stage of research — from setting priorities and designing studies to interpreting and sharing findings. Positions patients as active partners, not passive participants.

The study of the biological and functional changes in the body caused by disease or injury — explaining the mechanisms behind symptoms and bridging basic science with clinical practice.

Any tool, questionnaire, scale, or procedure used to measure an outcome domain. Can be quantitative or qualitative, disease-specific or generic. Evaluated by OMERACT for accuracy, relevance, and practicality.