Introduction
A team of researchers developed the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale (MIDAS) in 2002, to serve as a comprehensive tool to measure how myocardial infarction (MI) affects a patient’s quality of life. A team of leading researchers, Dr. Suzanne V. Arnold, Dr. David A. Spertus, and Dr. Harlan M. Krumholz, designed it to evaluate the physical, emotional, and social impacts of MI. In clinical settings, clinicians primarily use MIDAS in practice to gain a holistic understanding of patient well-being after an MI. This article will therefore outlines the key features of the MIDAS questionnaire, including its use, scoring methods, target population, and role in both clinical settings and research.
Key Features of the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale
Purpose and Use
MIDAS evaluates the effects of myocardial infarction on various aspects of a patient’s life. The questionnaire includes 35 items that assess the physical, emotional, and social consequences of MI. Specifically, these items aim to capture both direct symptoms and indirect life changes resulting from the condition.
Target Population
Although MI commonly affects middle-aged and older adults, the MIDAS questionnaire targets individuals aged 18 to 65. More specifically, It assesses the experiences of patients who have suffered from an MI and helps clinicians understand their post-infarction challenges.
Structure
Unlike other tools that focus on a single aspect of health, the MIDAS assesses seven distinct dimensions, including:
- Physical activity (12 items)
- Emotional reaction (4 items)
- Insecurity (9 items)
- Dependency (3 items)
- Diet (3 items)
- Concerns over medication (2 items)
- Side effects (2 items)
Each of these dimension offers detailed insights that help guide personalized treatment and rehabilitation.
Scoring Method
The MIDAS uses a Likert scale typically ranging from 1 to 5 to evaluate each item. Clinicians sum the scores to produce a total score representing the overall quality of life impact. Higher scores indicate a more significant negative effect. As a result, this scoring method enables professionals to track patient progress and modify care plans accordingly. For detailed administration and interpretation guidelines, users can refer to the official manual provided by Oxford University Innovation.
Administration Format
The MIDAS can be administered in multiple formats, including:
- Paper-based
- Digital (online)
- Mobile app
- Interview (in-person or phone/video call)
It takes approximately 10–15 minutes for patients to complete the questionnaire, which makes it a practical tool for both clinical monitoring and research applications.
Applications of the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale
- Monitoring and Treatment Planning
MIDAS helps clinicians monitor recovery and create tailored treatment plans for patients recovering from MI. It provides valuable data on physical limitations, emotional coping mechanisms, and social challenges. By using these insights, healthcare providers can identify specific needs, such as referrals to cardiac rehab or psychological support, and deliver more effective, targeted interventions. - Research
Researchers studying cardiovascular outcomes or patient-reported outcomes (PROs) often rely on the MIDAS. Thanks to its multidimensional structure, it allows for comprehensive tracking of long-term quality of life in MI survivors. Consequently, it is particularly useful in clinical trials, longitudinal studies, and population health research.
Languages Available
Oxford University Innovation provides MIDAS in multiple languages:
- English
- Arabic
- Mandarin ChineseÂ
- Turkish
- JapaneseÂ
- PortugueseÂ
- Persian
- Sinhala
This wide availability facilitates its global use in diverse clinical and research settings.
Reliability and Validity
Multiple Studies consistently confirme MIDAS as a reliable and valid measure. It demonstrates strong internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values typically around 0.85. Furthermore, it sensitively detects clinical changes over time. Moreover, it sensitively detects clinical changes over time, making it an excellent tool for tracking recovery progress.
Limitations and Considerations
Like any self-report measure, the MIDAS has certain limitations:
- First, Self-report bias: As with many patient-reported outcome measures (PROs), the MIDAS relies on the patient’s subjective responses, which can be influenced by memory recall and social desirability bias.
- Second, Length: With 35 items, the MIDAS can be seen as lengthy compared to shorter alternatives.
Nevertheless, the MIDAS remains a highly reliable tool for assessing quality of life in MI patients and is an essential resource for both clinicians and researchers.
Additional Resources
Explore more about the MIDAS questionnaire and its applications:
- Access the full version of the questionnaire and additional resources directly from Oxford University Innovation.
- You can check the Original Validation Study, for deeper insights into its development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the MIDAS questionnaire used for?
Clinicinas use MIDAS to evaluate the physical, emotional, and social impact of myocardial infarction on patients’ quality of life. - Who can use the MIDAS questionnaire?
Healthcare providers and researchers working with MI patients aged 18–65. - How is the MIDAS questionnaire scored?
Each item uses a 1–5 Likert scale. The total score indicates the overall impact, with higher scores representing greater impairment. - Is the MIDAS questionnaire free to use?
No. Oxford University Innovation requires users to obtain permission before using the MIDAS
A word from ResRef
At ResRef, we strive to empower clinicians and researchers by providing access to effective tools like MIDAS. By leveraging such tools, professionals can design better interventions to support physical recovery, emotional healing, and long-term well-being.
References
- Thompson, D., Jenkinson, C., Roebuck, A. et al. Development and validation of a short measure of health status for individuals with acute myocardial infarction: The myocardial infarction dimensional assessment scale (MIDAS). Qual Life Res 11, 535–543 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016354516168 Link
3 thoughts on “Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale (MIDAS): A Full Guide for Researchers and Clinicians.”
The presented results here are very promising from a clinical application perspective. Has the team considered testing this on a population with different clinical characteristics? It will be exciting to see how these findings can be translated into new and improved therapies.
its fantastic as your other blog posts : D, thanks for posting.
This is an incredibly thorough and timely guide to the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale (MIDAS). The authors have done an excellent job of distilling complex information into a clear and accessible format, making the utility of this multi-dimensional tool immediately apparent. I particularly appreciate the detailed breakdown of the seven distinct dimensions assessed, which clearly illustrates why MIDAS is superior to single-aspect health metrics when evaluating quality of life post-MI.