Development of computerized adaptive testing (CAT) for the EORTC QLQ-C30 physical functioning dimension

Morten Aa Petersen (Corresponding Author), Mogens Groenvold, Neil K Aaronson, Wei-Chu Chie, Thierry Conroy, Anna Costantini, Peter Fayers, Jorunn Helbostad, Bernhard Holzner, Stein Kaasa, Susanne Singer, Galina Velikova, Teresa Young

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

PURPOSE: Computerized adaptive test (CAT) methods, based on item response theory (IRT), enable a patient-reported outcome instrument to be adapted to the individual patient while maintaining direct comparability of scores. The EORTC Quality of Life Group is developing a CAT version of the widely used EORTC QLQ-C30. We present the development and psychometric validation of the item pool for the first of the scales, physical functioning (PF). METHODS: Initial developments (including literature search and patient and expert evaluations) resulted in 56 candidate items. Responses to these items were collected from 1,176 patients with cancer from Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. The items were evaluated with regard to psychometric properties. RESULTS: Evaluations showed that 31 of the items could be included in a unidimensional IRT model with acceptable fit and good content coverage, although the pool may lack items at the upper extreme (good PF). There were several findings of significant differential item functioning (DIF). However, the DIF findings appeared to have little impact on the PF estimation. CONCLUSIONS: We have established an item pool for CAT measurement of PF and believe that this CAT instrument will clearly improve the EORTC measurement of PF.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)479-490
Number of pages12
JournalQuality of Life Research
Volume20
Issue number4
Early online date23 Oct 2010
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2011

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