Use of the Skin Cancer Quality of Life Impact Tool (SCQOLIT) - a feasibility study in non-melanoma skin cancer.

Wali GN., Gibbons E., Kelly L., Reed JR., Matin RN.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) is increasing and can significantly impact on quality of life (QOL), yet there are few studies evaluating patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in NMSC populations. We undertook a prospective feasibility study to evaluate a skin cancer-specific PROM, the Skin Cancer Quality of Life Impact Tool (SCQOLIT), in patients with a new diagnosis of NMSC. OBJECTIVES: (i) To establish acceptability of SCQOLIT in dermatology clinics, (ii) a descriptive analysis of SCQOLIT scores in NMSC. METHODS: Patients with histologically confirmed NMSC completed SCQOLIT, EQ-5D and a transition item. Questionnaires were completed at baseline and 3 months for group 1 ('low-risk' NMSC) and group 2 ('high-risk' NMSC) with additional questionnaires at 6-9 months for group 2. Patients participated in structured interviews. Clinician experience was captured through staff evaluation forms and a focus group. Acceptability and psychometric properties of SCQOLIT were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 318 patients consented to participate. Mean SCQOLIT score at baseline was 5.33, with 2.6% of patients scoring ≥20. No ceiling effects were observed, whilst 13.9% scored 0. Validity was demonstrated against EQ-5D. Cronbach's alpha 0.84 demonstrated internal consistency. Thirteen patients were interviewed and thought SCQOLIT was comprehensive, captured impact on health-related QOL and helped express their needs to clinicians. Most clinicians found SCQOLIT 'very useful' or 'useful to some extent' in facilitating discussions. CONCLUSIONS: This feasibility study demonstrates that SCQOLIT is acceptable to patients and staff in dermatology skin cancer clinics. The psychometric properties of SCQOLIT confirm its utility in NMSC populations.

DOI

10.1111/jdv.15887

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol

Publication Date

03/2020

Volume

34

Pages

491 - 501

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