Psychometric Properties of the Piper Fatigue Scale-12

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Psychometrics
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• The original Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) has 40 items.
• A shortened 12-item version, the PFS-12, has been developed.
• The need for validated, brief fatigue assessment tools in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present psychometric evidence for the PFS-12.
• To evaluate the PFS-12 in a sample of individuals undergoing hemodialysis.
• To assess the validity and reliability of the PFS-12.

Main Methods:

• Pilot data from 86 hemodialysis patients were analyzed.
• Psychometric analysis included item analysis, Bland-Altman plots, and exploratory factor analysis.
• Validity was further investigated using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Fatigue Scale and the 6-minute walk test.

Main Results:

• The PFS-12 demonstrated high internal consistency reliability (0.91 pre-dialysis, 0.95 post-dialysis).
• Subscale alphas ranged from 0.79 to 0.94.
• Convergent, concurrent, predictive, and construct validity were supported, confirming the PFS-12's utility.

Conclusions:

• The 12-item PFS is a viable, brief alternative to the longer scale for measuring overall fatigue.
• The PFS-12 effectively reduces respondent burden in hemodialysis patients.
• Further research is recommended for test-retest reliability and subscale-specific validation.