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J Pain Symptom Manage. 2022 Jan;63(1):e46-e58. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.07.011. Epub 2021 Aug 03.

Multi-Dimensional Dyspnea-Related Scales Validated in Individuals With Cardio-Respiratory and Cancer Diseases. A Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties.

Journal of pain and symptom management

Stefania Tinti, Monica Parati, Beatrice De Maria, Nicla Urbano, Vivian Sardo, Graziella Falcone, Stefano Terzoni, Annalisa Alberti, Anne Destrebecq

Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedicine and Prevention (S.T.), University of Rome ''Tor Vergata'', Rome, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].
  2. Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Neuroengineering and Medical Robotics Laboratory (M.P.), Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri (M.P., B.D.M.), Milan, Italy.
  3. IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri (M.P., B.D.M.), Milan, Italy.
  4. ASST-Rhodense (N.U.), Garbagnate Milanese, Milan, Italy.
  5. ASST-Rhodense, Palliative Care and Pain Therapy Department (V.S., G.F.), Garbagnate Milanese, Milan, Italy.
  6. ASST-Santi Paolo e Carlo (S.T.), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
  7. ASST-Rhodense Bachelor School of Nursing (A.A.), Rho, Milan, Italy.
  8. Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (A.D.), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.

PMID: 34358643 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.07.011

Abstract

CONTEXT: In order to examine the multi-dimensional nature of dyspnea and its impact on the activities of daily living (ADLs) in patients with cardio-respiratory and cancer diseases, validated measures are needed.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to identify all the multi-dimensional clinical scales assessing dyspnea and its impact on ADLs in patients with cardio-respiratory and cancer diseases, and to critically appraise their psychometric properties.

METHODS: Five databases were systematically searched up to July 2020. Eligible criteria were: the examination of at least one psychometric property, and the recruitment of adults with a cardio-respiratory or cancer disease in non-emergency settings. The characteristics and psychometric properties of the studies included were presented through a narrative synthesis. The methodological quality of the studies and evidence synthesis were rated using the "COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN)" criteria.

RESULTS: Forty-three studies, for which eight assessment scales had been identified, were included in the review. At the time of the review, three multi-dimensional assessment scales were available for assessing dyspnea symptoms, and five multi-dimensional scales were available to examine the impact of dyspnea on ADLs. Although the use of these scales has rapidly grown, evidence of psychometric properties has been reported as limited in most of the scales.

CONCLUSION: Despite the potential of the identified scales, further studies are needed to strength evidence on the validity and reliability of the multi-dimensional dyspnea scales. Furthermore, more studies appraising the content validity and responsiveness of the scales are specifically recommended.

Copyright © 2021 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Dyspnea; psychometric property; reliability; responsiveness; systematic review; validity

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