Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
Developing a descriptive system for a new preference-based measure of health-related quality of life for children
1Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), The University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK. K.Stevens@Sheffield.ac.uk
Insights
This study developed a new descriptive system for pediatric preference-based measures (PBMs) of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Empirically derived scales were used, as no suitable existing pediatric measures were found.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Pediatric Quality of Life Research
- Measurement in Health
Background:
- Preference-based measures (PBMs) are increasingly used for health care resource allocation.
- Existing PBMs for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are well-established in adults but less so in pediatrics.
- Limited research exists on pediatric-specific PBMs for HRQoL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a descriptive system for a new pediatric generic PBM of HRQoL.
- To identify and define dimensions of HRQoL relevant to children.
- To create empirically derived scales for these dimensions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing pediatric HRQoL scales.
- Empirical scale development using qualitative interview data from children.
- Confirmation of scale ordinality through ranking exercises with children.
Main Results:
- No suitable existing pediatric scales were identified in the literature.
- Seven empirically derived scales were developed based on children's input.
- Children successfully ranked the scales to establish ordinality, which were then applied to identified HRQoL dimensions.
Conclusions:
- A descriptive system for pediatric HRQoL dimensions has been empirically developed.
- The developed system requires further testing in a pediatric population.
- Future work will focus on refining the dimensions for health state valuation.
Objectives:
The use of preference-based measures (PBMs) of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is increasing in health care resource allocation decisions. Whilst there are measures widely used for this purpose in adults, research in the paediatric field is more limited. This paper reports on how the descriptive system for a new paediatric generic PBM of HRQoL was developed from dimensions identified in previous research.
Methods:
Existing scales from the paediatric literature were reviewed for suitability, and scales were also developed empirically, based on qualitative interview data from children, by taking adverbial phrases and confirming the ordinality by a ranking exercise with children. The resulting scales were applied to the dimensions from the previous research.
Results:
No suitable scales were found in the paediatric literature, so the empirically derived scales were used resulting in seven different types. Children were successfully able to rank these to determine the ordinality, and these types were applied to the dimensions.
Conclusions:
This work has empirically developed a descriptive system for the dimensions of HRQoL identified in previous research. Further research is needed to test the descriptive system on a paediatric population and reduce the number of dimensions to be amenable to health state valuation.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Dimensions of Health and Illness
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
01:29Concepts of Health and Illness
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:26Levels of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention
In primary prevention, actions taken before disease onset prevent the disease from...