Health-related Quality Of Life Tools Research Articles

Associations between the quality of life in sarcopenia measured with the SarQoL\xae and nutritional status

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between nutritional status and health-related quality of life after adjusting for essential factors of muscle mass, calf circumference, grip strength, and the timed up and go (TUG) test for diagnosis of sarcopenia.MethodsThe subjects of this study were those who visited a health care center or a senior welfare center among the aged 65 years or older living in a community in two counties (Jinju, Sacheon), and the survey was conducted from April to August 2019. Among them, those with cardiovascular disease, cognitive disorder, or malignancy were excluded. To determine the nutritional status of the elderly subjects, a questionnaire-based screening tool called DETERMINE was used. Developed as a health-related quality of life tool for sarcopenia, the Sarcopenia-specific Quality of Life (SarQoL) questionnaire was used. For screening of sarcopenia, a rapid questionnaire based on self-reported information about falls, mobility, and strength known as the SARC-F questionnaire was used. Assessment of sarcopenia included skeletal muscle mass, calf circumference, grip strength, and the TUG test.ResultsA total of 324 elderly people living in rural villages who were able to move to senior and welfare centers was surveyed. As a result of evaluating the association between SarQoL and nutritional risk in elderly subjects, the association was statistically significant in the moderate-risk group (B = − 5.542, p = 0.001) and in the high-risk group (B = − 8.136, p < 0.001) in comparison to the low-risk group. Significant correlations were found in all seven domains of SarQoL, except the fear domain.ConclusionsThis study confirms an association between quality of life dimensions surveyed by the SarQoL questionnaire and nutritional status in elderly subjects. Therefore, appropriate interventions are needed following brief evaluation of sarcopenia and nutritional deficiency among elderly people in communities.

Developing a Standard Set of Patient-centred Outcomes for Adult Oral Health – An International, Cross-disciplinary Consensus

ObjectiveTo develop a minimum Adult Oral Health Standard Set (AOHSS) for use in clinical practice, research, advocacy and population health.Materials and methodsAn international oral health working group (OHWG) was established, of patient advocates, researchers, clinicians and public health experts to develop an AOHSS. PubMed was searched for oral health clinical and patient-reported measures and case-mix variables related to caries and periodontal disease. The selected patient-reported outcome measures focused on general oral health, and oral health-related quality of life tools. A consensus was reached via Delphi with parallel consultation of subject matter content experts. Finally, comments and input were elicited from oral health stakeholders globally, including patients/consumers.ResultsThe literature search yielded 1,453 results. After inclusion/exclusion criteria, 959 abstracts generated potential outcomes and case-mix variables. Delphi rounds resulted in a consensus-based selection of 80 individual items capturing 31 outcome and case-mix concepts. Global reviews generated 347 responses from 87 countries, and the patient/consumer validation survey elicited 129 responses. This AOHSS includes 25 items directed towards patients (including demographics, the impact of their oral health on oral function, a record of pain and oral hygiene practices, and financial implications of care) and items for clinicians to complete, including medical history, a record of caries and periodontal disease activity, and types of dental treatment delivered.ConclusionIn conclusion, utilising a robust methodology, a standardised core set of oral health outcome measures for adults, with a particular emphasis on caries and periodontal disease, was developed.

Narrative review of neurocognitive and quality of life tools used in brain metastases trials.

Development of brain metastases are common in patients with advanced malignancies leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Although overall survival is an important endpoint in these patients, neurocognition and health related quality of life (HRQoL) more accurately highlights the impact of the disease and its treatment on patients. Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) has historically played a key role in the management of these patients, especially those with multiple brain metastases. Clinical trials have supported the use of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone in patients with limited brain metastases sparing neurocognitive function and HRQoL as compared to the combination of SRS plus WBRT. Furthermore, new systemic agents are increasingly being used in clinical practice and have shown promise in patients with brain metastases. The upcoming clinical trials are tasked with defining treatment guidelines that are more specific to patient and tumour factors incorporating radiation, surgery, and systemic therapy. The validity of findings in these trials rest on the rigor of the study methodology and the utilisation of validated assessment tools for neurocognition and HRQoL. This review aims to appraise and summarise the neurocognitive and HRQoL tools used in modern brain metastases trials.

Assessing Health-Related Quality of Life Among Survivors of Testicular Cancer: A Systematic Review.

This study aimed to determine if the current health-related quality of life (HRQoL) tools created for survivors of testicular cancer are collecting the highest quality of data via a two-step methodological critique of both the seminal studies that produced a survivor of testicular cancer HRQoL tool (Phase 1) and the actual tool itself (Phase 2). It is the goal of this current article to present and discuss Phase 1.A systematic review aimed to assess the methodological quality of studies conducted to create instruments used to measure survivors of testicular cancer HRQoL. Five reviewers independently assessed each study with the 20-item Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS). Inter-rater agreement and Fleiss’ kappa was also assessed to ensure consistency in reported scores. Assessments for the EORTC QLQ-TC 26 and CAYA-T studies were low (AXIS 52.5%; IRA 95%; κ = 0.779) and fair (AXIS 65%; IRA 80%; κ = 0.599), respectively. Critical appraisal of the scales included issues within the three core AXIS domains. Primary concerns related to sampling methodology and the lack of a qualitative component of their core conceptual development phase.Both reviewed seminal studies have significant methodological concerns that question the tools’ quality. Next steps include extensive appraisal of the psychometric properties of the EORTC QLQ TC-26 and the CAYA-T to complete the comprehensive review. Accurate and reliable data are necessary to understand survivor of testicular cancer HRQoL and assist in building the bridge of communication between health care professionals and survivors to help to improve patient outcomes.

Validation Study of the Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Questionnaire in Adolescents

Introduction Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common problem among adolescent girls that affects many aspects of their lives. Estimating the effect of HMB on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is important but challenging, as there is no instrument that measures menstrual bleeding-specific HRQoL for girls ages &amp;lt; 18 years. Aim To develop and assess the psychometric properties of a menstrual bleeding-specific HRQoL tool adapted for use by girls with HMB aged &amp;lt; 18 years. Methods HMB was defined using a pictorial bleeding assessment chart (PBAC) score &amp;gt;100 and/or hemoglobin &amp;gt;2 SD below age appropriate means. Phase 1 utilized a focus group of girls with HMB to review items of the Menstrual Bleeding Questionnaire (MBQ), validated for use in women ages ≥ 18 years, to generate new items and develop the Adolescent MBQ (aMBQ). In phase 2, participants were divided in two groups: those with and those without HMB. Each participant completed 3 questionnaires (aMBQ, Pediatric Quality of Life core module [PedsQL] and PBAC) at 2 time points. Validity of the aMBQ was measured by Spearman's correlation with the PedsQL. Reliability was calculated using an intra-class correlation (ICC) random effect model in those without HMB who repeated the 3 questionnaires within 30-60 days from baseline. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis assessed the ability of the aMBQ to distinguish between participants with and without HMB. Ethics approval and informed consent were obtained prior to participation. Results Phase 1 included 5 girls with previously diagnosed HMB. The MBQ was revised to be appropriate for adolescents by substituting 4 words/phrases that altered 8 of 20 questions (Table 1). With the addition of one new question, a 21-item aMBQ was developed with a score range of 0-77, with 77 representing the worst HRQoL. Phase 2 included 73 participants: 19 with HMB and 56 without HMB. Mean age of participants was 14.7 years (range 11-17 years). The validity of the aMBQ was confirmed by a moderate correlation with PedsQL (rho=-0.61). Test-retest reliability was substantial (ICC=0.71, p=0.03). An aMBQ score of &amp;gt;30 identified those with HMB with excellent discrimination (AUC=0.826, sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 88.0%). Conclusion The aMBQ is a valid and reliable measurement tool to assess HRQoL in adolescents with HMB that is easily implemented in the office setting. Furthermore, it may assist clinicians in identifying those with HMB and aid in the evaluation of treatment effectiveness both in clinical practice and research. Disclosures Belletrutti: Takeda Canada: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novo Nordisk Canada: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bayer Canada: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche Canada: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; CSL Behring: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Matteson:ABOG: Honoraria, Other: Received stipend for being an oral boards examiner.; Myovant: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bayer Ensure: Other: Co-Investigator for longitudinal research study and clinical trial. All funds go to site of research, Research Funding.

Pulmonary Hypertension Roundtable: Drug Development and Negative Clinical Trial Results

Pulmonary Hypertension Roundtable: Drug Development and Negative Clinical Trial Results

A New Domain Structure for the IMPACT-III Health-related Quality of life Tool for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The IMPACT-III measures health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in pediatric patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The original IMPACT domain structure was developed based on expert opinion and was not psychometrically validated. This study developed a new domain structure based on the current IMPACT version. Baseline data from 3 prospectively collected datasets of children and adolescents with IBD was used. Exploratory, then confirmatory factor analyses were carried out to develop a new domain structure. Internal consistency (Cronbach alpha) and construct validity with PROMIS measures (Pearson correlations, and Independent Mann-Whitney U-tests) were examined. Data from the IBD Partners dataset alone (n = 374; 47% girls, mean age = 13.4 ± 2.5 years, median disease duration = 2.5 years, 75% were in remission, with a range of self-reported disease activity) was used to validate the new 4-domain IMPACT-III model. The final domain structure was parsimonious, with factor loadings for individual items ranging from 0.39 to 0.80, and internal consistency for domains from 0.75 to 0.95. The new IMPACT-III domains include: General well-being, Social Functioning, Emotional functioning, and Body Image. IMPACT-III total and domain scores were significantly lower (all P < 0.001) for participants with high (>50) versus low (<50) PROMIS anxiety, depression, fatigue, and pain T-scores; conversely IMPACT-III scores were higher for participants with higher peer-relations PROMIS T-scores. This valid and reliable IMPACT-III domain structure should be used to capture pediatric self-reported HRQOL, which will help to understand the management of IBD from the perspective of patients.

Validity of EQ-5D-5L, Skindex-16, DLQI and DLQI-R in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Numerous generic, skin- and disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures are available for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Yet, robust psychometric evidence is lacking in many aspects of these outcome measures. We sought to determine convergent and known-groups validity of multiple generic and skin-specific HRQoL measures and to identify predictors of impaired HRQoL in patients with HS. Between 2017 and 2019, a multicentre cross-sectional study was carried out involving 200 consecutive HS patients. HRQoL outcomes included the EQ-5D-5L, EQ visual analogue scale (EQ VAS), Skindex-16, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and DLQI-Relevant (DLQI-R). Disease severity was graded by HS-Physician's Global Assessment (HS-PGA) scale and the Modified Sartorius scale (MSS). Overall, 77%, 56%, 51%, 46% and 28% reported problems in the pain/discomfort, usual activities, anxiety/depression, mobility and self-care dimensions of EQ-5D-5L. Mean ± SD EQ VAS, DLQI and DLQI-R scores were 64.29 ± 22.68, 11.75 ± 8.11 and 12.19 ± 8.33, respectively. Skindex-16 responses indicated that the emotional burden of HS (64.55 ± 29.28) far exceeded those of functioning (49.40 ± 34.70) and physical symptoms (46.74 ± 29.36). EQ-5D-5L, EQ VAS, DLQI, DLQI-R and Skindex-16 total scores had moderate or strong correlations with each other (range: |0.487| to |0.993|), weak or moderate correlations with HS-PGA (|0.350| to |0.433|) and weak correlations with MSS (|0.324| to |0.389|). DLQI-R slightly outperformed DLQI both in terms of convergent and known-groups validity. Being female, lower education level, more severe disease and genital involvement were associated with worse HRQoL (P < 0.05). This study provides high-quality evidence that among skin-specific outcomes, the DLQI, DLQI-R and Skindex-16, and among generic instruments, the EQ-5D-5L are suitable to be used in HS patients. In future research, we recommend the use of existing well-validated HRQoL tools instead of developing new measures for each study. The development of composite measures that combine physician- and patient-reported outcomes is not supported by evidence in HS. [Correction added on 25 July 2020, after first online publication: in the Abstract section, the ± signs were missing and have been added to this version.].

Functional recovery in older women undergoing surgery for gynaecological malignancies: A systematic review and narrative synthesis

ObjectivesOlder women are increasingly undergoing surgery for gynaecological malignancies. Although survival data is available other outcomes such as functional recovery are less well described. This systematic review and narrative synthesis describes functional recovery after gynaeoncology surgery with respect to baseline characteristics. Materials and MethodsSystematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and Cochrane Library between 1974 to 2018. Two reviewers independently reviewed abstracts/papers for inclusion against the following criteria:-mean/median patient age >60-gynaeoncology surgery-preoperative, post-operative and change in function evaluated using any validated tool containing items measuring functional ability (defined by WHO International Classification of Function).Results analysed and presented using narrative synthesis. ResultsFifteen studies identified (8 Endometrial, 2 Ovarian, 2 Vulval, 3 mixed cancer types).1/15 used a standalone functional assessment tool, 14/15 used Health-Related Quality of Life tools (EORTC QLQ C30 (8), FACT-G (3), SF-36 (3)) comprising items describing function.More studies showed full recovery to baseline (n = 13) than incomplete recovery (n = 2). Four studies reported a negative association between older age and functional trajectory. Recovery was more likely and occurred faster in minimally-invasive surgery. Few studies reported baseline characteristics including cognition, frailty or comorbidities and none examined associations with functional recovery. ConclusionThere is inadequate data on functional recovery of older women following gynaeoncology surgery. Future studies are needed to identify factors associated with poorer/better outcomes. This may enable identification of opportunities for risk reduction, improve equity of access and better shared-decision making.

How does the EQ-5D-5L perform in asthma patients compared with an asthma-specific quality of life questionnaire?

BackgroundAsthma patients experience impairments in health-related quality of life (HRQL). Interventions are available to improve HRQL. EQ-5D-5L is a common generic tool used to evaluate health interventions. However, there is debate over whether the use of this measure is adequate in asthma patients.MethodsWe used data from 371 asthma patients participating in a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program from the EPRA randomized controlled trial. We used four time points: T0 randomization, T1 start PR, T2 end PR, T3 3 months follow-up. We calculated floor and ceiling effects, intra-class correlation (ICC), Cohen’s d, and regression analysis to measure the sensitivity to changes of EQ-5D-5 L (EQ-5D index and Visual Analog Scale (VAS)) and the disease-specific Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Furthermore, we estimated the minimally important difference (MID). Based on the Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores, we defined three groups: 1. ACT-A (ACT> 19) controlled asthma, 2. ACT-B (14 < ACT≤19) not well-controlled asthma, and 3. ACT-C (ACT≤14) very poorly controlled asthma.ResultsOnly the EQ-5D index showed ceiling effects at T2 and T3 (32%). ICC (between T0 and T1) was moderate or good for all measures. Cohen’s d at T2 and T3 was better at differentiating between ACT-A and ACT-B than between ACT-B and ACT-C. The EQ-5D index showed moderate effect sizes (0.63–0.75), while AQLQ showed large effect sizes (0.74–1,48). VAS was responsive to pronounced positive and negative ACT changes in every period, and AQLQ mostly to the positive changes, whereas the EQ-5D index was less responsive. We estimated a MID of 0.08 for the EQ-5D index, 12.3 for VAS, and 0.65 for AQLQ.ConclusionAll presented HRQL tools had good discriminatory power and good reliability. However, EQ-5D-5 L did not react very sensitively to small changes in asthma control. Therefore, we would suggest using supplementary measures in addition to EQ-5D-5 L to evaluate asthma-specific interventions more comprehensively.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trial Register, DRKS00007740 (date of registration: 05/15/2015), https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00007740. The registration took place prospectively.

Utilizing Digital Health to Collect Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes in Prostate Cancer: Single-Arm Pilot Trial.

BackgroundMeasuring patient-reported outcomes (PROs) requires an individual’s perspective on their symptoms, functional status, and quality of life. Digital health enables remote electronic PRO (ePRO) assessments as a clinical decision support tool to facilitate meaningful provider interactions and personalized treatment.ObjectiveThis study explored the feasibility and acceptability of collecting ePROs using validated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaires for prostate cancer.MethodsUsing Apple ResearchKit software, the Strength Through Insight app was created with content from validated HRQoL tools 26-item Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) or EPIC for Clinical Practice and 8-item Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Advanced Prostate Symptom Index. In a single-arm pilot study with patients receiving prostate cancer treatment at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and affiliates, participants were recruited, and instructed to download Strength Through Insight and complete ePROs once a week over 12 weeks. A mixed methods approach, including qualitative pre- and poststudy interviews, was used to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Strength Through Insight for the collection and care management of cancer treatment.ResultsThirty patients consented to the study; 1 patient failed to complete any of the questionnaires and was left out of the analysis of the intervention. Moreover, 86% (25/29) reached satisfactory questionnaire completion (defined as completion of 60% of weekly questions over 12 weeks). The lower bound of the exact one-sided 95% CI was 71%, exceeding the 70% feasibility threshold. Most participants self-identified with having a high digital literacy level (defined as the ability to use, understand, evaluate, and analyze information from multiple formats from a variety of digital sources), and only a few participants identified with having a low digital literacy level (defined as only having the ability to gather information on the Web). Interviews were thematically analyzed to reveal the following: (1) value of emotional support and wellness in cancer treatment, (2) rise of social patient advocacy in online patient communities and networks, (3) patient concerns over privacy, and (4) desire for personalized engagement tools.ConclusionsStrength Through Insight was demonstrated as a feasible and acceptable method of data collection for ePROs. A high compliance rate confirmed the app as a reliable tool for patients with localized and advanced prostate cancer. Nearly all participants reported that using the smartphone app is easier than or equivalent to the traditional paper-and-pen approach, providing evidence of acceptability and support for the use of remote PRO monitoring. This study expands on current research involving the value of digital health, as a social and behavioral science, augmented with technology, can begin to contribute to population health management, as it shapes psychographic segmentation by demographic, socioeconomic, health condition, or behavioral factors to group patients by their distinct personalities and motivations, which influence their choices.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NC03197948; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NC03197948

105 Functional Recovery in Older Women Undergoing Surgery for Gynaecological Malignancies: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis

Abstract Introduction Older women are increasingly undergoing surgery for gynaecological malignancies. Although survival data is available other outcomes such as functional recovery are less well described. However older people are both more vulnerable to changes in function and often prioritise function over survival. There is limited published research examining function outside of context of sexual or urodynamic function following gynaeoncology surgery but a large body or research exists examining health-related quality of life (HrQOL) both as a pre-operative risk factor for survival and as a post-treatment outcome measure in its own right. HRQOL tools may report on physical function as a subcomponent within composite tools. This systematic review and narrative synthesis describes functional recovery after gynae-oncology surgery with respect to baseline characteristics which - if identified – could enable pre- or post-operative risk reduction. Methods Systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and Cochrane Library between 1974-2018. Two reviewers independently reviewed abstracts/papers for inclusion against the following criteria:Mean/median age &amp;gt;60Gynaeoncological treatment includes surgery (RCTs, observational or mixed methods studies).Any measure of functional ability as defined by WHO ICF classification section D1–D7 inclusive, D855, D860-79 and D9 using validated tool.Minimum pre-operative and one post-operative measure. Results analysed and presented using narrative synthesis. Results Sixteen studies identified (7 Endometrial, 2 Ovarian, 2 Vulval, 6 mixed cancer types). 1/16 used a standalone functional assessment tool, 15/16 used Health-Related Quality of Life tools (EORTC QLQ C30 (10), FACT-G (3), SF-36 (3)) comprising items describing function. More studies showed full recovery to baseline (n=11) than incomplete recovery (n=5 including 2 reporting age as a negative association). Recovery was more likely and occurred faster in minimally-invasive surgery. 1 study demonstrated failure to recover baseline functional independence by 12 months.

Literature Review on Development and Validation of Quality of Life Tool among Chemotherapy Patients

Introduction: Cancer is the second commonest explanation for death subsequent to heart diseases and it represented 8.8 million deaths worldwide during 2015. Quality of Life (QOL) is all about personal satisfaction, degree or the standard to which an individual, gathering of individuals or community people can appreciates the significant inclination and experience of life like physically, mentally, socially, etc. Aim: To identify the existing tools or instrument for QOL among chemotherapy patients. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of literature for QOL tool among chemotherapy patients was conducted. Electronic databases were looked: Pubmed, proquest, PsycINFC Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL). Results: Researcher found 673 research papers from electronic data base: from that 353 articles were excluded bases on exclusion criteria. So total retrieved articles were 320 among all 51 duplicate articles, 88 No full text available, 58 not relevant and 47 abstracts were excluded. Final retrieved articles were 76; among them 38 full articles were excluded based on inclusion criteria. Finally, according to 38 studies, out of 14 investigations utilised European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QOL-C 30) survey, four studies used the Health Related Quality Of Life (HRQOL) tool, four studies used World Health Organisation Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) is a self-report questionnaire which assesses 4 domains of quality of life (QOL): physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment, Twelve studies used self administered questionnaire, four studies used other method like face to face validity, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) etc. The most-normally utilised instrument was a QOL tool for use in universal clinical preliminaries in oncology having a place with EORTC QOL C-30 survey, HRQOL tool and WHO BREF tool. Conclusion: In this review study variety of instruments has been used by the researcher that explores the QOL of chemotherapy patients. The significance of psychometric properties of the instruments and its effect on discoveries rising up out of various examinations, it appears to be fundamental that more thought be paid to the validity and reliability of tool before conducting the research studies. Literature suggested that the analysts contribute enough consideration regarding the choice of standard instruments and organise the instruments' validity and reliability of their outlook explores. Finding of study suggested that tools along with ideal psychometrics properties which were good with the socio-cultural setting of particular country.

Identifying patient concerns during consultations in tertiary burns services: development of the Adult Burns Patient Concerns Inventory

ObjectivesIdentifying the issues and concerns that matter most to burns survivors can be challenging. For a number of reasons, but mainly relating to patient empowerment, some of the most pressing...

Development and evaluation of a health-related quality-of-life tool for dogs with Cushing's syndrome.

BackgroundClinical signs and consequences of Cushing's syndrome are likely to impact upon a dog's life. Quantification of this impact on a dog's health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) could contribute to optimized disease management.Hypothesis/objectivesTo develop a novel HRQoL tool to aid assessment of dogs with Cushing's syndrome and to evaluate factors that impact upon dogs living with this disease.AnimalsTwo hundred and ten dogs with Cushing's syndrome and 617 dogs without Cushing's syndrome.MethodsCross‐sectional study design. Dog owners answered questions relating to the HRQoL of their dogs which were refined to develop the final tool. The tool was analyzed for reliability, validity, and interpretability, including Cronbach's alpha and principal components analysis. Factors impacting upon the HRQoL of dogs with Cushing's syndrome were assessed using appropriate nonparametric tests.ResultsThe tool was refined from 32 questions to 19 and showed good internal consistency (α = .83). Owners rated questions related to “owner impact” as more important and those related to demeanor as less important. There was a positive correlation between the tool score of dogs with Cushing's syndrome and owner's assessment of their dog's quality‐of‐life (r = .41, P < .001). Dogs currently on treatment with trilostane had a statistically better HRQoL (.33, interquartile range [IQR] .23–.44) than those not receiving trilostane (.36, IQR .33–.54, P = .04).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe developed tool quantifies the HRQoL of dogs with Cushing's syndrome and could assist clinicians in the clinical assessment of dogs with Cushing's syndrome.

Measuring quality of life in COPD patients: comparing disease-specific supplements to the EQ-5D-5L

ABSTRACT Objectives: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) show impairments in health-related quality of life (HRQL). We aimed to find a disease-specific questionnaire for routine application in large cohorts and to assess its additional explanatory power to generic HRQL tool (EQ-5D-5L). Methods: 1,350 participants of the disease management program COPD received the EQ-5D-5L combined with one of the three disease-specific tools: COPD Assessment Test (CAT), Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ) or St. George’s Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (SGRQ) (450 participants each). We compared metric properties and evaluated the Germany-specific experience-based values (EBVS) and utilities in comparison to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). We calculated the additional explanatory power of the identified disease-specific tool on VAS through regression analysis. Results: 344 patients returned the questionnaire. CAT, CCQ, and SGRQ group did not differ regarding baseline characteristics. The questionnaire specific response rates were 33.7% for CAT, 30.5% for CCQ, and 34.6% SGRQ, thereof 94.0%, 94.3%, and 65.6% valid answers, respectively. EBVS was better suited to reflect VAS than utilities. CAT increased the explanatory power by 10%. Conclusion: CAT outperformed CCQ and SGRQ, and it increased the explanatory power of VAS. EBV combined with CAT seems superior to only generic or disease-specific approaches.

Patient-reported outcomes assessment tools for use in psoriasis in Spain: A systematic review

ObjectivesTo review the literature on validated tools for measuring patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in psoriasis in Spain. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the tools and describe the results of their practical application. Material and methodsSystematic review of studies validating or using instruments for assessing PROs in Spanish patients with psoriasis. Literature searches were performed in international (PubMed/Medline) and Spanish (Medes, Ibecs) databases. We also searched databases of instruments for measuring PROs (BiblioPRO, PROQOLID). The review included studies published in English or Spanish up to January 9, 2017. We also checked the reference lists of the key publications identified. The quality of the questionnaires was evaluated based on their psychometric properties (construct, transcultural adaptation, reliability, validity, feasibility, and sensitivity to change). ResultsEighteen publications were included. Six articles described the validation of Spanish versions of 5 PROs tools: 4 health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaires specific to psoriasis and dermatologic diseases and 1 questionnaire specific to satisfaction with treatment. Our assessment of the HRQoL tools’ psychometric properties showed that the PSO-LIFE questionnaire received the highest scores, although specific properties varied from instrument to instrument. The 12 remaining articles were observational studies that used the validated instruments. In use, these tools detected the high impact of psoriasis on HRQoL, especially in young female patients with severe disease. ConclusionsWe identified 5 specific instruments validated in Spain for scoring PROs in patients with psoriasis. The tools’ psychometric properties vary, and it is essential to understand their strengths and weaknesses when selecting the right one for each situation. In use, these questionnaires are able to detect the high impact of psoriasis on patients’ HRQoL. PROs provide useful information to complement routine clinical findings in psoriasis and may contribute to improving disease management.

Instrumentos para la valoración de los resultados percibidos por el paciente con psoriasis en España: revisión sistemática de la literatura

ObjectivesTo review the literature on validated tools for measuring patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in psoriasis in Spain. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the tools and describe the results of their practical application. Material and methodsSystematic review of studies validating or using instruments for assessing PROs in Spanish patients with psoriasis. Literature searches were performed in international (PubMed/Medline) and Spanish (Medes, Ibecs) databases. We also searched databases of instruments for measuring PROs (BiblioPRO, PROQOLID). The review included studies published in English or Spanish up to January 9, 2017. We also checked the reference lists of the key publications identified. The quality of the questionnaires was evaluated based on their psychometric properties (construct, transcultural adaptation, reliability, validity, feasibility, and sensitivity to change). ResultsEighteen publications were included. Six articles described the validation of Spanish versions of 5 PROs tools: 4 health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaires specific to psoriasis and dermatologic diseases and 1 questionnaire specific to satisfaction with treatment. Our assessment of the HRQoL tools’ psychometric properties showed that the PSO-LIFE questionnaire received the highest scores, although specific properties varied from instrument to instrument. The 12 remaining articles were observational studies that used the validated instruments. In use, these tools detected the high impact of psoriasis on HRQoL, especially in young female patients with severe disease. ConclusionsWe identified 5 specific instruments validated in Spain for scoring PROs in patients with psoriasis. The tools’ psychometric properties vary, and it is essential to understand their strengths and weaknesses when selecting the right one for each situation. In use, these questionnaires are able to detect the high impact of psoriasis on patients’ HRQoL. PROs provide useful information to complement routine clinical findings in psoriasis and may contribute to improving disease management.

Keratinocyte carcinoma as a chronic disease in Australia and Spain: The importance of avoidance of perceived visible scars.

Keratinocyte cancer impacts health-related quality of life (HRQL). Disease progression and treatment can lead to adverse physical and psychosocial consequences. The skin cancer index (SCI) is a validated tool with higher scores reflecting greater HRQL. Our objectives were to assess and compare the impact of keratinocyte cancer using the SCI in two diverse populations. A total of 120 patients were prospectively recruited from dermatology clinics in Sydney, Australia, and Santander, Spain, providing demographics and completing the SCI. About 61.1% of Australians reported ≥2 skin cancers (vs 20% P=<0.001), 44.4% resulting visible scars (vs 14.8% P=<0.001). Visible scars were associated with poorer HRQL, across total SCI (68.3 vs 81.5 P=<0.001), social (76.0 vs 86.7 P=0.003) and emotional (54.2 vs 69.7 P=0.003) domains. Interestingly, perceived visible scars were not associated with appearance scores. The Spanish population reported greater appearance (88.0 vs 75.6 P=0.008) and emotional (70.7 vs 60.5 P=0.034) HRQL. Surprisingly, incidence of cancer, recent disease, gender and education were not associated with HRQL impairment. Australians with keratinocyte cancer experience poorer HRQL compared to a Spanish population. Offering non-surgical means when amenable and consideration of psychosocial needs during clinical course is emphasised. While our study highlights the importance of HRQL tools, our results question the sensitivity of the SCI across populations. Further research is required to substantiate its ongoing use.

Validation of the Finnish version of the BODY-Q patient-reported outcome instrument among patients who underwent abdominoplasty

Massive weight loss can notably affect patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and body image. Yet, no body contouring specific instruments to assess HRQoL and body image after massive weight loss have been validated in Finnish. The BODY-Q includes 26 independently functioning scales and a single checklist that measure appearance, HRQoL, and experience of care. The aim of the present study was to translate and validate a Finnish version of the BODY-Q among patients who underwent abdominoplasty. The BODY-Q was translated into Finnish using recommended guidelines. Eighty-two patients who underwent abdominoplasty due to massive weight loss were identified from hospital records using procedure codes. A postal survey including the BODY-Q, the 15D, and general health and pain instruments was used. Criterion validity, Cronbach's alpha, and floor and ceiling effects were analyzed. The BODY-Q translated well into Finnish. Fifty-three patients returned the questionnaires (response rate 65%) and were included. All but the Scars subscale correlated significantly with the 15D mean score, thus indicating strong criterion validity against a generic HRQoL tool. The Excess Skin and the Physical Function scales reached the ceiling effect (>15% of maximum points) in our postoperative sample. No floor effects were observed. Internal consistency of the BODY-Q scales was high (Cronbach's alpha range, 0.81-0.95). The Finnish version of the BODY-Q instrument is equivalent in terms of content, accuracy, and comprehensiveness to the original English version. The findings of the present study indicate that the BODY-Q has psychometric properties suitable for assessing outcomes and treatment effectiveness of abdominoplasty.