How should thyroid-related quality of life be assessed? Recalled patient-reported outcomes compared with here-and-now measures

14 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

Background The impact of thyroid disease on quality of life is an important disease aspect that is best investigated by patient-reported outcomes. Recent patient-reported outcomes research has raised concern about the validity of traditional retrospective questionnaires. Therefore, ecological momentary assessments of patients' subjective well-being have been introduced to avoid recall bias and improve contextual validity. Despite theoretical advantages, the measurement properties remain unsubstantiated. This study examines the relationship between the retrospective thyroid-related quality of life patient-reported outcome measure (ThyPRO) and a momentary (here-and-now) version of ThyPRO. Methods Eighty-three newly diagnosed hyperthyroid patients expected to undergo treatment completed questions on their thyroid-related quality of life. Head-to-head comparison was performed between twelve momentary items from four multi-item ThyPRO scales administered thrice daily via a smartphone application during 28 days, and the original retrospective ThyPRO on day 28. The measurement difference between recalled and momentary ratings was quantified for all four scales. Furthermore, correlations between the measures were investigated, and their agreement was explored using Bland-Altman plots. Finally, it was examined whether retrospective ratings were influenced by two forms of recall bias (the peak effect and the end effect). Results Retrospective and mean momentary ThyPRO ratings were highly correlated (Pearson's correlations: 0.74-0.88). However, retrospective ratings provided significantly higher scores, i.e. worse quality of life, on all scales. Bland-Altman plots showed a skewed distribution, indicating low levels of agreement. Results supported a peak effect for retrospective ratings on tiredness, but not for the remaining scales. Further, results supported end effects for retrospective ratings of emotional susceptibility and anxiety. Conclusions Retrospective and mean momentary ThyPRO ratings correlated strongly, but retrospective ratings were higher, indicating more disease impact. The differences were of magnitudes normally deemed clinically relevant. Limited evidence supported peak- and end effect bias for retrospective assessments. The two measurement modalities did not appear congruent and thus cannot be used interchangeably. When designing clinical studies, whether to use a momentary or retrospective measurement method may depend on the aim of measurement. Further prospective analyses are needed to compare any beneficial effects, e.g. in terms of higher precision or sensitivity to clinical change, of momentary assessments.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftThyroid : official journal of the American Thyroid Association
Vol/bind28
Udgave nummer12
Sider (fra-til)1561-1570
ISSN1050-7256
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2018

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