Evaluation and application of the simplified Chinese version of the EORTC QLQ-BM22 questionnaire for quality of life in patients with bone metastases

Abstract

Objective To translate the EORTC QLQ-BM22 into simplified Chinese and evaluate its utility. Methods Translate, reverse translate and cultural adjustment: Authors translated the English version of EORTC QLQ-BM22 into simplified Chinese. Two individual native English-speakers translated the Chinese version back into English. The reverse translated version was sent to EORTC for reviewing. From Sept 2012 to March 2013, we enrolled 10 patients with bone metastases (mean age 59.4, 37-78). There were 6 male and 4 female. Patients were asked to complete the questionnaire and questions about understanding of the questionnaire were recorded. How well patients could understand the questionnaire was evaluated and modification was made accordingly. From April 2013 to March 2014, 50 patients with bone metastases were admitted in our hospital. They were asked to take the questionnaire before and three days, one month, three months and 6 months after operation. The scores were analyzed and quality of life was evaluated. Results EORTC approved the translation of the simplified Chinese version of EORTC QLQ-BM22 questionnaire due to its accuracy to reflect the original version, and the Chinese version was online. Patients found no difficulty in understanding the questionnaire, and could complete the form without too much effort. We had 27 male and 23 female who participated in our survey (mean age 57.2, 46 to 84). According to the scores, scale of pain, sites of pain, and function were all significantly improved postoperatively. Patients received elevated quality of life with surgical treatment. Conclusion Simplified Chinese version of EORTC QLQ-BM22 could be used as an effective questionnaire in evaluating the quality of life for patients with bone metastases. Key words: Skeleton; Neoplasm metastasis; Questionnaires