Introduction and Validation of DoloTest(®): a new health-related quality of life tool used in pain patients

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the publication is to introduce DoloTest(®) and to document the validation of DoloTest(®) . DoloTest(®) is a health-related quality of life (HRQoL) tool for pain patients with low-time burden involving the patient in interpretation of the test result by creating a graphic presentation of the test result in a DoloTest(®) Profile and therefore, suitable use in clinical setting.

Methods: Validation against SF-36, 246 participants in four pain clinics.

Main outcome measures: Face validity (domains) cognitive interviewing (time and patient's perception), factor analysis (factors and eigenvalues), construct validity (correlation coefficients), Reliability: Intern consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test-retest stability (correlation coefficients).

Results: Face validation: the eight domains most important for assessment of the patients with persistent pain were selected. The factor analysis shows equal relevance and weighting of all domains. Construct validation against SF-36™ shows positive correlation within each domain; correlation coefficients were between 0.47 and 0.69. Reliability was tested with Cronbach's alpha and test-retest. Cronbach's alpha values were 0.615 to 0.715. Correlation coefficients for linear regressions of test and retest for the DoloTest(®) and SF-36 were all positive. INTRODUCTION AND VALIDATION OF DOLOTEST(®): A new HRQoL tool used in pain patients.