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Systematic Reviews
Published in: Systematic Reviews 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Protocol

Measurement properties of instruments to assess pain in children and adolescents with cancer: a systematic review protocol

Authors: Erik A. H. Loeffen, Jennifer N. Stinson, Kathryn A. Birnie, Monique van Dijk, Ketan Kulkarni, Mienke Rijsdijk, Anna Font-Gonzalez, L. Lee Dupuis, Elvira C. van Dalen, Renée L. Mulder, Fiona Campbell, Wim J. E. Tissing, Marianne D. van de Wetering, Faith Gibson

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Pain in children and adolescents with cancer has been identified as an area where many healthcare professionals seek guidance. This protocol details a systematic review whose aim is to explore current knowledge regarding measurement instruments to assess pain (and pain-related distress) in children and adolescents with cancer. After completion of the review, the information will be used in the development of a clinical practice guideline.

Methods

We will search four electronic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and HaPI). Additional relevant studies will be identified by reference checking and expert consultation. All citations will be screened independently by two reviewers in a three-step approach: first selection based on title, second selection based on abstract, third selection based on full-text. Studies in children and adolescents with cancer that aimed to evaluate the clinimetric properties of an existing pain measurement instrument or to develop a new pain measurement instrument and that include at least one relevant outcome (reliability, validity, responsiveness, interpretability, clinical utility) are eligible for inclusion. For all steps of evidence selection, a detailed list with eligibility criteria will be determined a priori. Data extraction and quality assessment of included studies (according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments, COSMIN criteria) will be conducted independently by two authors.

Discussion

This systematic review will provide an overview of the current literature regarding measurement instruments to assess pain in children and adolescents with cancer. This knowledge synthesis will be used to formulate recommendations for clinical practice. Also, by synthesizing existing evidence, knowledge gaps will be identified.

Systematic review registration

Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Measurement properties of instruments to assess pain in children and adolescents with cancer: a systematic review protocol
Authors
Erik A. H. Loeffen
Jennifer N. Stinson
Kathryn A. Birnie
Monique van Dijk
Ketan Kulkarni
Mienke Rijsdijk
Anna Font-Gonzalez
L. Lee Dupuis
Elvira C. van Dalen
Renée L. Mulder
Fiona Campbell
Wim J. E. Tissing
Marianne D. van de Wetering
Faith Gibson
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-019-0945-4

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