Abstract
AimsTo determine the most frequently utilized functional status assessment instruments for patients with brain tumors, compare their contents, using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), and their psychometric properties.MethodsA scoping review was conducted to explore possible assessment instruments and summarize the evidence. A systematic literature search was performed for identification of the frequently used functional assessment tool in clinical trials in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest databases. The content of most used instruments was linked to the ICF categories. The psychometric qualities of these assessment tools were systematically searched and analyzed.ResultsNine most used assessment tools in clinical trials were identified. The most frequently used assessment instrument is the Karnofsky Performance Scale, which is developed for a general assessment of oncological patients. Out of four self-assessment tools, two were disease-specific (EORTC QLQ-BN20 and FACT-Br), EORTC QLQ-C30 has been shown good psychometric properties in patients with brain tumors as well as in patients with various oncological diseases, similar to the SF-36, it is used in patients with brain tumors as well as in patients with various diseases. The Functional Independence Measure and the Barthel Index were two objective assessment tools that described functioning, but two were neuropsychological tests (MMSE and Trial Making Test). Two hundred eighty-three meaningful concepts were identified and linked to 102 most relevant second-level categories covering all components of the ICF. Forty-nine studies reporting psychometric properties of those nine assessment tools were identified, indicating good reliability and validity for all the instruments.ConclusionNine most frequently utilized functional status assessment instruments for patients with brain tumors represent all components of the ICF and have good psychometric properties. However, the choice of the tool depends on the clinical question posed and the aim of its use.
Highlights
Based on 2015 statistics, patients with brain tumors make up a total of 5% of all oncology patients in Latvia [1]
The 74 articles included patients with primary tumors, of which 26 were diagnosed with glioma, 3- oligodendroglioma, 1- oligoastrocytoma, 3- astrocytoma, 4- adenoma, 1- meningioma, 1 case study had a mixed group with patients suffering from meningioma and glioblastomas. 28 of the studies did not categorize patients by their histologic type; instead, patients with primary brain tumors were evaluated. 9 studies evaluated patients with secondary brain tumors or with brain metastases
To the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), it is used in patients with brain tumors as well as in patients with various diseases
Summary
Based on 2015 statistics, patients with brain tumors make up a total of 5% of all oncology patients in Latvia [1]. Anatomical distribution, and volume are determinants before and after primary treatment. The most common symptoms for brain tumors usually include headache, nausea, vomiting, partial and generalized seizures, cognitive impairment, and ataxia. These symptoms may arise from common treatment strategies used for brain tumor patients such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. It is estimated that 75% of all patients with brain tumors show symptoms of focal neurological deficiency [3], which greatly affects one’s level of functioning, as well as the quality of life
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