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Development of a short version of the Barriers Questionnaire
N Wells1, R L Johnson, D Wujcik
1Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
|July 9, 1998
Summary
Patient beliefs can hinder cancer pain management. A shortened Barriers Questionnaire (BQ) reliably measures patient communication and analgesic beliefs, aiding pain control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pain Management
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Patient-related barriers significantly impact the adequate control of cancer pain.
- Patient beliefs are crucial factors influencing pain management outcomes.
- The Barriers Questionnaire (BQ) has been used to assess these beliefs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the internal consistency of a shortened version of the Barriers Questionnaire (BQ).
- To assess the reliability of a 17-item scale designed to measure patient beliefs related to cancer pain management.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 217 outpatients with cancer completed a 17-item version of the Barriers Questionnaire (BQ).
- Factor analysis was employed to identify underlying subscales within the shortened BQ.
- Internal consistency of the identified subscales was assessed.
Main Results:
- Factor analysis revealed two distinct subscales: beliefs about pain communication and beliefs about analgesic use.
- Both subscales demonstrated adequate internal consistency, indicating reliability.
- No significant differences in beliefs were found between patients who had recently experienced pain and those who had not.
Conclusions:
- The shortened 17-item Barriers Questionnaire (BQ) is an internally consistent measure.
- The scale effectively assesses two key patient-related barriers: communication about pain and the use of analgesics.
- This tool can aid in identifying patient beliefs that may impede effective cancer pain management.