International application of PROMIS computerized adaptive tests: US versus country-specific item parameters can be consequential for individual patient scores

ObjectivePROMIS offers computerized adaptive tests (CAT) of patient-reported outcomes, using a single set US-based IRT item parameters across populations and language-versions. The use country-specific has local appeal, but also disadvantages. We illustrate the effects choosing US or on PROMIS CAT T-scores.Study design settingSimulations were performed response data from Dutch chronic pain patients (n = 1110) who completed Pain Behavior bank. compared T-scores obtained with (1) parameters; (2) (3) for DIF-free items (rescaled to metric) DIF items; (4) all metric).ResultsWithout anchoring common metric, cannot be compared. When scores rescaled mean differences in based vs. negligible. However, 0.9%–4.3% T-score larger than 5 points (0.5 SD).ConclusionThe choice can consequential individual patient scores. recommend more studies translated CATs examine if strategies that allow should further investigated.