The development of the GERD-HRQL symptom severity instrument

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Health Outcomes Research
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• The Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) instrument was developed to quantify GERD symptom severity.
• It has been utilized to evaluate treatment efficacy for various GERD interventions.
• A comprehensive review of its development and validation is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the development and validation process of the GERD-HRQL instrument.
• To consolidate information on the psychometric properties and practical utility of the GERD-HRQL.

Main Methods:

• The GERD-HRQL was initially developed to capture typical GERD symptoms.
• Subsequent studies evaluated its face, content, criterion, concurrent, predictive, and construct validity.
• Reliability was assessed using test-retest methods, and responsiveness was determined by treatment effects.

Main Results:

• The GERD-HRQL demonstrates strong validity across multiple dimensions.
• High precision is noted due to 51 possible scores, with minimal floor or ceiling effects observed.
• The instrument is practical, has low administrative burden, few missing responses, and has been validated in multiple languages.

Conclusions:

• The GERD-HRQL is a precise, valid, reliable, and practical instrument for measuring health-related quality of life in GERD patients.
• Its international validation and ease of use support its widespread clinical and research application.
• The instrument serves as a valuable tool for assessing symptom burden and treatment outcomes in GERD management.