Quality of life as an outcome variable in the management of cancer pain

Cancer. 1989 Jun 1;63(11 Suppl):2321-7. doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(19890601)63:11<2321::aid-cncr2820631142>3.0.co;2-t.

Abstract

Valid measurement tools are needed by oncology researchers to help in the evaluation of the effectiveness of pain relief methods used in the treatment of cancer patients. A study was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of a tool designed to evaluate quality of life as a measure of pain management outcome in the individual patient. Items in the tested quality of life survey represented the areas of psychologic well-being, physical well-being, general and specific symptom control, and degree of social support. Using the test instrument, two oncology nurses interviewed subjects in three groups, each consisting of 50 subjects: cancer patients with pain, cancer patients without pain, and subjects with no cancer. Statistical analysis of the interview results revealed that the instrument has test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and interrater reliability, as well as content and construct validity for the major factors, psychologic well-being, worry, and nutrition. Further revision of the instrument is needed to restructure its subscales. The quality of life tool will enable researchers to evaluate a treatment regarding not only its effect on pain intensity but also its impact on the total individual.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Pain / psychology
  • Pain Management*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Quality of Life*
  • Social Support