Instrument scoring specification
================================

StatMedAnalysis | Original downloadable worksheet | 6 November 2026

Translate a scoring manual into explicit, testable derivation rules.

How to use this worksheet
Record the instrument version and permissions. Extract item ranges, reverse coding,
subscale membership and missing-item rules from the official manual. Build a synthetic
complete response and a boundary missingness case. Compare the calculated score with the
manual before applying the derivation.

Save a working copy and keep the original blank version. Use public, hypothetical or
aggregate information only; do not enter patient identifiers, credentials or confidential
records. Keep source evidence in your approved project workspace. Mark unresolved text
fields UNKNOWN or NOT REPORTED with a reason; never substitute zero for an unknown count.

Project/version __________________  Prepared by role/date __________________

Working fields
1. Instrument and manual version
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

2. Item response ranges
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

3. Reverse-coded item list
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

4. Subscale membership and weights
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

5. Missing-item threshold and prorating
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

6. Total-score range and direction
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

7. Synthetic cases with expected scores
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

8. Script version and discrepancy resolution
Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Hypothetical worked case
A fictional four-item scale permits one missing item and uses the mean of observed
items. A respondent with two missing items should remain unscored; replacing missing
values with zero would change the scoring rule.

Decision rule and limitations
Do not invent a missing-item rule or translate scores across instrument versions without
supporting guidance. Mark unresolved scoring details before producing analysis
variables.

Decision _______________________  Remaining uncertainty ____________________
Next action ____________________  Owner / review date ______________________
Independent check and discrepancy resolution _______________________________

Official method or reporting reference checked 6 November 2026
https://www.cochrane.org/authors/handbooks-and-manuals/handbook/current/chapter-05

This is an original planning aid, not an official checklist, validated instrument,
clinical recommendation or certificate of expert approval. Apply the referenced
guidance to the specific design and record any additional requirements.