Development and psychometric characteristics of the SCI-QOL Pressure Ulcers scale and short form

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2015 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772315Y.0000000017 · Published: May 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Dermatology

Simple Explanation

This research focuses on creating a way to measure how pressure ulcers affect the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries. They developed a questionnaire called the SCI-QOL Pressure Ulcers scale. The questionnaire was carefully designed with input from both patients and experts, ensuring it asks the right questions. It's tested to make sure it gives consistent and accurate results. The SCI-QOL Pressure Ulcers scale is available in two forms: a longer, more detailed version and a shorter version for quick assessments. This tool helps doctors and researchers understand the impact of pressure ulcers on patients' lives.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

189 individuals with traumatic SCI who experienced a pressure ulcer within the past 7 days

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study developed a 12-item SCI-QOL Pressure Ulcers scale to assess the impact of pressure ulcers on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).
2
Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed that the items in the scale measure a single, consistent concept.
3
The scale can be administered in its entirety or as a 7-item “short form” for both research and clinical practice.

Research Summary

The study aimed to develop a self-reported measure, the SCI-QOL Pressure Ulcers scale, to assess the subjective impact of pressure ulcers on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The development process included qualitative item development, large-scale item calibration testing, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and item response theory (IRT)-based psychometric analysis. The resulting 12-item SCI-QOL Pressure Ulcers scale, along with a 7-item short form, provides a unique tool for researchers and clinicians to measure the HRQOL effects of pressure ulcers in individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Clinical Assessment

The SCI-QOL Pressure Ulcers scale can be used by clinicians to assess the impact of pressure ulcers on the quality of life of individuals with SCI, informing treatment and management strategies.

Research Tool

The scale provides researchers with a standardized instrument to measure the HRQOL effects of pressure ulcers in SCI populations, enabling more comprehensive evaluation of interventions and outcomes.

Patient-Centered Care

By incorporating the patient's perspective, the scale facilitates patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment addresses not only the physical aspects of pressure ulcers but also their emotional and social impact.

Study Limitations

1
Low endorsement rate of PrU items in the calibration study leading to skewed data.
2
Small sample size prevented differential item functioning (DIF) analyses.
3
Use of a constrained Graded Response Model (GRM) in threshold estimation due to limited sample size.

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