Which selfreport measure

1
Which self-report measure?

• Lucy Ziegler, Dan Stark
• Strand 1 Scientific Session
• September 2008

2
The problem

• Systematic review of 177 papers reported
• 57
• different self-report measures.

3
Having 57 varieties of pickles and chutneys is
not usually a problem
4
But 57 varieties of self-report measures is not
such a good thing.

5
Why is it a problem?

• No consensus on which measure works for which
  population - especially palliative care.
• Difficult to compare cohorts and hinders
  meta-analysis
• Potential to choose poorly validated or
  inappropriate measure
• Grant applications - perceived lack of scientific
  rigour.

6
A possible solution?

• Systematic review generated a list of potentially
  useful measures
• Each potential measure to be subjected to quality
  appraisal using QUADAS framework
• Evidence Report is prepared for each measure
• Report presented to Delphi panel

7
Delphi background

• Developed in 1953 to explore potential bombing
  strategies Soviet military leaders might use in
  the event of an atomic war.
• Entered academic mainstream in 1960s

8
Delphi definition

• A method of structuring a group communication
  process to allow a group of individuals to deal
  with a complex problem (Linstone 1975)

9
Aim of Strand 1 Delphi Study

• To determine most appropriate measure for
  longitudinal study of distress in cancer and
  supportive palliative care

10
Delphi Process
Evidence
Consensus
Evidence
Evidence
11
Different approaches

• Postal Questionnaire
• Web based
• Email
• Focus group

12
Participant stakeholder groups
13
(No Transcript)
14
Broad Question Categories

• Measure development process
• Psychometric properties
• Relevance to definition of distress
• Feasibility

15
Advantages Disadvantages

• Relies on the commitment of panel members to
  remain involved throughout entire process.

• Unites empirical evidence and expert opinion
• Limits biases
• Systematic

16
Areas For Discussion

• Which methodological approach to use.
• (web based / email / focus groups)
• Recruitment and constituency of panel members.
• Choice of measures for Delphi do we need to
  consult on this and how?

17
Measuring distress is not easy
18
Least distressed (and fastest) man in the world,
Usain Bolt