Allan Kozlowski, MNG Chair

Measuring change and measuring outcomes are two tasks central to rehabilitation research and practice. These terms serve to frame the activities and resulting products of the Measurement Networking Group (MNG) as we approach the ACRM 2020 VIRTUAL Annual Conference.

On the topic of change, the MNG will soon have a new name. Earlier this year, the ACRM Community Oversight Committee accepted our application for change in status from a Networking Group to an Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group (ISIG). In addition to the name change, we have updated our bylaws, our Knowledge Translation Task Force will become a standing committee, and we will have representation on the ACRM Board. Outwardly, the Measurement ISIG may not appear much different from the MNG, because we have met the criteria of an ISIG for several years, which include maintaining a full track of content at the Fall Conference, exceeding a minimum membership threshold, and hosting productive task forces, among others. I would like to thank the combined efforts and contributions of the past MNG Executive Committee Members, Task Force Chairs, and Task Force Members who brought the MNG from its inception to this point of evolution. We anticipate future opportunities to support ACRM and look forward to the formal announcement of the status change at the fall ACRM Board Meeting.

You will find details of other changes within MNG, including growth of the Biometrics and Biomarkers Task Force membership, renaming of the Terminology Task Force to Standards and reframing of its objectives, and implementation of the Early Career Networking Group’s Mentorship Program.

On the topic of outcomes, you will find details on achievements of our many task forces. Among these, the Rasch Analysis Guideline Development is nearing completion of its momentous objective, and the Rehab Measures Database Task Force approaches a milestone number of published instrument reviews. We provide highlights of Measurement Track content scheduled for the Conference, from the first day of pre-conference courses, to posters, and to the last day of symposia and scientific presentations.

We hope you will celebrate these achievements and more with us at the one of the MNG Community Group Meeting times planned throughout the conference.

With Warm Regards from your MNG Chair,

Allan Kozlowski