Psychometric study of quality of life instruments used during hospitalization for stem cell transplantation
Received 17 February 2003; accepted 28 October 2003.
Abstract
Objective
To test the psychometric properties of four patient-rated quality of life (QoL) instruments devised by the authors: thee single-item instruments measuring (1) overall physical status, (2) overall emotional status, and (3) energy level, and one eight-item instrument measuring systemic symptoms.
Method
In a prospective inpatient study conducted from July 1994 to August 1997, 220 patients aged 16–65 years received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for hematologic cancer at a single institution. Patients were assessed at hospital admission and then on a weekly basis during hospitalization until discharge or death.
Results
Internal consistency reliability and test–retest reliability of the tested scales were adequate. Convergent, divergent, criterion, and predictive validities as well as responsiveness to change of our scales were demonstrated by significant associations with their tested constructs.
Conclusion
Our data indicate that the four QoL instruments are reliable and valid for use during hospitalization for SCT.
ABSTRACT