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The development of a new measure of quality of life in the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: the Reflux questionnaire.
- Source :
- Quality of Life Research; Mar2007, Vol. 16 Issue 2, p331-343, 13p, 6 Charts, 3 Graphs
- Publication Year :
- 2007
-
Abstract
- <bold>Introduction: </bold>This paper reports on the development of a new measure of health-related quality of life for use among patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), funded as part of the REFLUX trial. This is a large UK multi centre trial that aims to compare the clinical and cost effectiveness of minimal access surgery with best medical treatment for patients with GORD within the NHS.<bold>Method: </bold>Potential items were identified via a series of interviews and focus groups carried out with patients who were receiving/had received medical or surgical treatment for GORD. The final measure consisted of 31 items covering 7 categories (Heartburn; Acid reflux; Wind; Eating and swallowing; Bowel movements; Sleep; Work, physical and social activities). The measure produced two outputs: a quality of life score (RQLS) and five Reflux symptom scores. Reliability (internal consistency), criterion validity with the SF-36 and, sensitivity to change in terms of relationship with reported change in prescribed medication were assessed amongst a sample of 794 patients recruited into the trial.<bold>Results: </bold>The measure was shown to be internally consistent, to show criterion validity with the SF-36 and sensitive to changes in patients use of prescribed medication at baseline and 3 month follow-up.<bold>Discussion: </bold>The Reflux questionnaire is a new self-administered questionnaire for use amongst patients with GORD. Initial findings suggest that the new measure is valid, reliable, acceptable to respondents and simple to administer in both a clinical and research context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 09629343
- Volume :
- 16
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Quality of Life Research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 23627264
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-006-9005-3