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Validation of QuickDASH outcome measure in breast cancer survivors for upper extremity disability
Mously LeBlanc1, Margaret Stineman2, Angela DeMichele3
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA; Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA.
Objective:
To validate the QuickDASH as a patient-reported outcome measure for assessing upper extremity disability in breast cancer survivors.
Design:
Large cross-sectional survey.
Setting:
Ambulatory care center at a university hospital.
Participants:
Postmenopausal women (N=150) with stage I to III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer currently taking a third-generation aromatase inhibitor.
Interventions:
Not applicable.
Main Outcome Measure:
QuickDASH, an 11-item self-administered questionnaire, assesses global arm function over the past 7 days.
Results:
Of 150 surveys, 148 (99%) were scorable. The factor analysis demonstrated 1 factor with an eigenvalue of 6.7, which explains 61% of variance. The score was reliable with a Cronbach alpha of .93. The test-retest reliability was .78 over 2 weeks. The mean QuickDASH score ± SD for all patients was 19±19. Those with upper extremity arthralgias reported higher QuickDASH scores than controls without pain (26 vs 12, P=.001). Those with frozen shoulder pain also reported higher QuickDASH scores than controls without pain (37 vs 15, P=.001).
Conclusions:
The QuickDASH instrument is a convenient, reliable, and valid patient-reported outcome measure to assess upper extremity disability in patients with breast cancer.
