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Leveraging patient‐reported outcomes data to inform oncology clinical decision making: Introducing the FACE‐Q Head and Neck Cancer Module
Author(s) -
Cracchiolo Jennifer R.,
Klassen Anne F.,
YoungAfat Danny A.,
Albornoz Claudia R.,
Cano Stefan J.,
Patel Snehal G.,
Pusic Andrea L.,
Matros Evan
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/cncr.31900
Subject(s) - medicine , head and neck cancer , psychosocial , patient reported outcome , cronbach's alpha , prom , face validity , physical therapy , cancer , medical physics , family medicine , psychometrics , quality of life (healthcare) , clinical psychology , nursing , psychiatry , obstetrics
Background Existing patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) used to assess patients with head and neck cancer have methodologic and content deficiencies. Herein, the development of a PROM that meets a range of clinical and research needs across head and neck oncology is described. Methods After development of the conceptual framework, which involved a literature review, semistructured patient interviews, and expert input, patients with head and neck cancer who were treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center were recruited by their surgeon. The FACE‐Q Head and Neck Cancer Module was completed by patients in the clinic or was sent by mail. Rasch measurement theory analysis was used for item selection for final scale development and to examine reliability and validity. Scale scores for surgical defect and adjuvant therapy were compared with the cohort average to assess clinical applicability. Results The sample consisted of 219 patients who completed the draft scales. Fourteen independently functioning scales were analyzed. Item fit was good for all 102 items, and all items had ordered thresholds. Scale reliability was acceptable (person separation index was >0.75 for all scales; Cronbach α values were >.87 for all scales; test‐retest ranged from 0.86 to 0.96). The scales performed well in a clinically predictable way, demonstrating functional and psychosocial differences across disease sites and with adjuvant therapy. Conclusions The scales forming the FACE‐Q Head and Neck Cancer Module were found to be clinically relevant and scientifically sound. This new PROM now is validated and ready for use in research and clinical care.