Index for selecting an appropriate instrument to conduct research in health sciences: Introducing the COSMIN checklist

Evaluating the effectiveness of health care and interventions depends on an accurate measurement, which shows the necessity of applying certain criteria for selecting an appropriate instrument. The aim of this paper was to determine the index for selecting an appropriate instrument to conduct research in health sciences. In this review study, data were collected during 1990 till 2014 through review of Persian and English literature and purposive search for relevant index needed for selecting an appropriate instrument to conduct research in health sciences, and the most important psychometric properties of these instruments in books, articles, and databases by using the keywords: COSMIN checklist, measurement properties, psychometrics properties, disease-specific questionnaires, health status scales, health related questionnaires, psychometrics and quality criteria. After reviewing relevant literature, 9 articles were appropriate for COSMIN as well as 24 other articles which were suitable for the most important psychometric properties of instruments. The results of this study are presented in two sections. First, the COSMIN checklist is introduced. Next, the index related to determining the psychometric properties of the instrument, i.e. validity, reliability and responsiveness are explained. COSMIN checklist is an appropriate guide that facilitates the selection of a suitable instrument for researchers by providing logical index. Therefore, study results can be trusted with more confidence. The use of COSMIN Checklist in conducting research and reviewing articles in health science is recommended.