Evaluation of the electronic version of the questionnaire for lung transplant patients

Context-Recent modifications to the QLTP (Questionnaire for Lung Transplant Patients), including changing items from dichotomous to multiple dimension scaling, adding psychological symptoms, and converting to an electronic format (e-QLTP), made it necessary to reevaluate its reliability, validity, recipient satisfaction, and feasibility of administering the e-QLTP in the clinical setting. Purpose-To report the final modifications, psychometric properties, recipient satisfaction, and feasibility of administering the e-QLTP, a patient report outcome measure of symptoms and activity tolerance. Methods-Sixty lung recipients completed the original QLTP and the e-QLTP and rated their satisfaction with the e-version during a routine posttransplant evaluation; 65% (38 of 60) also completed a retest version. Correlations were computed for retest stability, concurrent validity between versions of the QLTP, and construct validity among the subscales of the e-QLTP and forced expiratory volumes in 1 second. Using the After Scenario Questionnaire, participants rated their satisfaction with the ease, amount of time, and support information when completing the e-QLTP.

The e-QLTP and subscales were internally consistent (alpha = .73 - .90) and stable (intraclass correlations = .47 - .93). Significant correlations (P = .001) were found between the e-QLTP and the original QLTP (r = 0.53-0.56) and between the e-QLTP subscales and forced expiratory volumes in 1 second (r = 0.51 - 0.53). The overall mean satisfaction score was 1.27 (+/- 0.47). Conclusions-The e-QLTP is a reliable and valid measure of physical and psychological symptoms after lung transplantation. It is feasible to complete in the clinical setting and recipients are highly satisfied with its use. Its computerized functionality enhances assessment and management of symptoms over time.