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Psychometric Performance of HRQoL Measures: An Australian Paediatric Multi-Instrument Comparison Study Protocol
Renee Jones1, Brendan Mulhern2, Kristy McGregor1
1Health Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
Insights
A new study will compare pediatric health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments to improve outcomes measurement. This research will guide the selection of HRQoL tools for clinical trials and economic evaluations in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health Outcomes Research
- Psychometric Validation
- Health Economics
Background:
- Limited psychometric evidence exists for pediatric health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments.
- HRQoL data is crucial for cost-effectiveness analyses and decision-making in pediatric healthcare.
- Accurate outcome measurement and clinical decision-making necessitate valid HRQoL instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a pediatric multi-instrument comparison (P-MIC) study.
- To compare the psychometric performance and measurement characteristics of various pediatric HRQoL instruments.
- To provide evidence to guide the selection of appropriate HRQoL measures.
Main Methods:
- A large-scale study involving approximately 6100 Australian children and adolescents (aged 2-18 years).
- Data collection through The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne and online survey panels.
- Two-stage survey administration with concurrent and longitudinal collection of multiple HRQoL instruments; self-report for children aged 7+.
Main Results:
- Psychometric performance will be assessed at the instrument, domain, and item levels.
- The study aims to provide robust psychometric evidence for pediatric HRQoL instruments.
- Anticipated to yield comprehensive data on measurement properties.
Conclusions:
- The P-MIC study methodology is described, outlining benefits, limitations, and challenges.
- Findings will inform the selection of HRQoL measures for clinical trials.
- Evidence generated will support economic evaluations and other applications in pediatric healthcare.
Background:
There is a lack of psychometric evidence about pediatric health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments. Evidence on cost effectiveness, involving the measurement of HRQoL, is used in many countries to make decisions about pharmaceuticals, technologies, and health services for children. Additionally, valid instruments are required to facilitate accurate outcome measurement and clinical decision making. A pediatric multi instrument comparison (P-MIC) study is planned to compare the psychometric performance and measurement characteristics of pediatric HRQoL instruments.
Methods:
The planned P-MIC study will collect data on approximately 6100 Australian children and adolescents aged 2-18 years via The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne and online survey panels. Participants will complete an initial survey, involving the concurrent collection of a range of pediatric HRQoL instruments, followed by a shorter survey 2-8 weeks later, involving the collection of a subset of instruments from the initial survey. Children aged ≥7 years will be asked to self-report HRQoL. Psychometric performance will be assessed at the instrument, domain, and item level.
Conclusions:
This paper describes the methodology of the planned P-MIC study, including benefits, limitations, and likely challenges. Evidence from this study will guide the choice of HRQoL measures used in clinical trials, economic evaluation, and other applications.
