An instrument to collect data on frequency and intensity of symptoms in older palliative cancer patients: A development and validation study. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van Lancker, Aurélie; Beeckman, Dimitri; Verhaeghe, Sofie; Van Den Noortgate, Nele; Grypdonck, Mieke; Van Hecke, Ann
• Is Part Of: European journal of oncology nursing. Volume 21(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 47
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Aged -- Palliative care -- Cancer -- Instrument -- Delphi-procedure -- Cognitive interviewing -- Validity -- Reliability -- Test–retest; Cancer -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Research -- Periodicals; Oncology -- Periodicals; Oncology Nursing -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- nursing -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Soins infirmiers -- Périodiques; Cancer -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Cancérologie -- Périodiques; Verpleegkunde; Kanker; Cancer -- Nursing; Cancer -- Research; Oncology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9940231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2015.11.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-3889

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: To develop and validate an instrument to collect data on symptoms (frequency/intensity) in older palliative cancer patients. Methods: A four-phase instrument development and validation study was performed. A preliminary version of the instrument was developed through a literature review. Face- and content validity were assessed in a Delphi-procedure with eleven experts. Cognitive interviewing with 24 older cancer patients was performed to enhance content validity of the instrument. Test–retest was performed to assess the stability. Results: An 40-item instrument was developed. The Assessment Symptoms Palliative Elderly (ASPE) collects data on frequency and intensity of 24 physical, 10 psychological, 3 functional, 1 spiritual and 2 social symptoms. Content validity was excellent (I-CVI 81.8%–100.0% and S-CVI 92.9%). Cognitive interviewing allowed to improve the content validity. Test–retest showed substantial to almost perfect agreement for 87.5% of the items. No item had poor or fair agreement. Conclusion: This study resulted in the development of the ASPE which reflects good properties for face- and content validity and reliability. Cognitive interviewing has a valuable contribution in the validation process. The instrument can be used to gain insight in symptoms in older palliative cancer patients. Highlights: A new symptom assessment instrument in older palliative cancer patients is proposed. The new instrument reflects good face- and content validity and reliability. Cognitive interviewing has a valuable contribution in the validation process.