Ecological Momentary Assessment

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) involves repeated measures regarding the current behaviors and experiences in the patient's natural environments [1]. This assessment tool involves daily questions in diferent time-points along the day (e.g. Morning, Afternoon, and/or Evening). EMA is interesting to use to assess mood fluctuation, pain levels, anxiety levels, sleepiness, etc., throughout the day. EMA was designed to minimize recall bias, maximize ecological validity, and allow study of the influence some aspects of the patient's life in a moment level. 

 

References

[1] Shiffman S, Stone AA, Hufford MR. Ecological momentary assessment. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2008;4:1-32. doi:10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.3.022806.091415