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Quality of Life Research

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Open Access 01-06-2016

Using the Three-Step Test Interview to understand how patients perceive the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire for COPD patients (SGRQ-C)

Authors: Muirne C. S. Paap, Lukas Lange, Job van der Palen, Christina Bode

Published in: Quality of Life Research | Issue 6/2016

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the experiences of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) while they were completing the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire for COPD patients (SGRQ-C), using qualitative research methods.

Methods

Twenty Dutch COPD patients were recruited through pulmonary physicians [13 women; mean age = 63.3 years (SD = 11.4)]. A trained interviewer applied the Three-Step Test Interview which allowed the interviewer to follow the thought process of the patient filling out the SGRQ-C. The official Dutch translation of the SGRQ-C was used.

Results

Patients missed a recall period for the Symptoms subscale; were uncertain how to interpret specific words and phrases like “good days”, “games”, and “housework”; were confused by long-item stems that included a list of activities; and were frustrated by the dichotomous format used for the majority of SGRQ-C items (true/false).

Conclusions

Overall, patients were satisfied with the SGRQ-C. Nevertheless, making minor adjustments could further increase its quality. This includes reintroducing a recall period in the first set of items such as used in the previous version and splitting up items consisting of multiple activities. Furthermore, we recommend using the same response format (4 or 5 response categories) for all items.

Criterion validity in this context is measured by estimating the relationship between the scale of interest and a variable that serves as a criterion (e.g. outcome measure, legacy instrument, gold standard, expert rating).

Convergent validity in this context is typically measured by estimating the relationship between two scales that aim to measure the same or similar constructs.

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Title: Using the Three-Step Test Interview to understand how patients perceive the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire for COPD patients (SGRQ-C)
Authors: Muirne C. S. Paap
Lukas Lange
Job van der Palen
Christina Bode
Publication date: 01-06-2016
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Quality of Life Research / Issue 6/2016
Print ISSN: 0962-9343
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2649
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-015-1192-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Using the Three-Step Test Interview to understand how patients perceive the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire for COPD patients (SGRQ-C)

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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