A qualitative study exploring content validity and feasibility of frequently used generic health-related quality of life measures in older people with hip fracture: The patients’ perspective

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate hip fracture patients´ views on content validity and feasibility of four commonly used generic measures of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). MethodsWe interviewed 32 elderly hip fracture patients without relevant cognitive impairment (mean age=81 years). Using think-aloud and verbal probing techniques, patients completed the EQ-5D descriptive system, Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Short-Form 12 Health Questionnaire (SF-12) and WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). ResultsPatients were mostly not able to self-complete the questionnaires. Content validity was most constrained by problems in comprehensibility (e.g. vaguely phrased). Some items, for instance, were considered irrelevant if the example was inappropriate. Patients named e.g. problems with vision as important for their HRQOL, but none of the instruments included related items. ConclusionAlthough patients reported problems with all instruments, we suggest the EQ-5D or SF-12, as these appear to have the fewest limitations in content validity and feasibility from the patient´s perspective.