Rating scales for neurologists.

Correspondence to: Dr Jeremy Hobart, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Peninsula Medical School, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth PL6 8DH, UK; Jeremy.Hobart@ phnt.swest.nhs.uk _________________________ A neurologist once told me that he found the subject of rating scales ‘‘exceedingly dull’’, while another found the area ‘‘abstruse’’. I have therefore attempted to produce an overview that is helpful and conveys some of the basic principals underlying outcomes measurement and rating scales. Clinicians must realise that because this is an alien and somewhat ‘‘dry’’ area, they may need to invest some time to appreciate the issues. Instead of discussing specific scales or rating scales for rehabilitation, which will only be relevant to a limited audience, I have chosen to discuss the importance of rating scales and how to achieve high quality measurement. I hope this makes the text more widely applicable to the neurological community. The take home message is simple; neurologists need to take their rating scales very seriously.