Computer interviewing in urogynaecology: concept, development and psychometric testing of an electronic pelvic floor assessment questionnaire in primary and secondary care

Abstract

Objective: To develop and evaluate a Web-based, electronic pelvic floor symptoms assessment questionnaire (e-PAQ)1 for women.

Design: A cross-sectional study in primary and secondary care.

Setting: Two general practices, two community health clinics and a secondary care urogynaecology clinic.

Sample: A total of 432 women (204 in primary care and 228 in secondary care) were recruited between June 2003 and January 2004.

Methods: The e-PAQ was located on a workstation (computer, touchscreen and printer). Women completed the e-PAQ prior to their appointment. Untreated women in primary care were asked to return seven days later to complete the e-PAQ a second time (test-retest).

Main outcome measures: Factor analysis, reliability, validity, patient satisfaction, completion times and system costs.

Results: In secondary care, factor analysis identified 14 domains within the four dimensions (urinary, bowel, vaginal and sexual symptoms) with internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha)>or=0.7 in 11 of these. In primary care, alpha values were all>or=0.7 and test-retest analysis found acceptable intraclass correlations of 0.50-0.95 (P<0.001) for all domains. A measure of face validity and utility was gained using a nine-item questionnaire, which yielded strongly positive patient views on relevance and acceptability.

Conclusions: The e-PAQ offers a user-friendly clinical tool, which provides valid and reliable data. The system offers comprehensive symptoms and quality of life evaluation and may enhance the clinical episode as well as the quality of care for women with pelvic floor disorders.