Assessing Meaningful Improvement: Focus on the Tinnitus Functional Index

Many studies have attempted to determine methodology for interpreting change on outcome instruments that result from an intervention. The objective of these studies has been to devise methods to identify the minimal level of change that would be consistent with actual benefit perceived by the patient, and not just statistically significant change. With respect to intervention for bothersome tinnitus, the authors of the original study to develop and validate the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) suggested that a minimum 13-point reduction in the TFI score was likely to reflect a change perceived as meaningful to an individual. The 13-point estimation of meaningful change for an individual is appropriate for use with any adult seeking care for tinnitus. However, it cannot be relied upon in isolation to determine if an individual believes that there has been a noticeable, or meaningful improvement in their quality of life. It is important to use subjective impressions elicited from the patient to assist in interpreting the meaning of TFI data for an individual. For clinicians engaging in care for tinnitus, we recommend using the TFI and pairing it with the patient’s belief/impression as to whether they are doing better than they were before care for tinnitus was provided. Ideally, the outcome assessment would be conducted by someone other than the clinician who provided the intervention.