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Implementation methods for vision related quality of life questionnaires

Version 2 2024-06-04, 15:19
Version 1 2020-07-09, 12:06
journal contribution
posted on 2024-06-04, 15:19 authored by JS Wolffsohn, AL Cochrane, Natalie WattNatalie Watt
Aim-To determine the most reliable and consistent method and time interval over which to implement a vision impairment quality of life assessment tool. Methods-117 patients with low vision aged 9-101 years were assigned into three age, sex, and visual function matched groups (n = 39 in each) to answer the Low Vision Quality of Life (LVQOL) questionnaire by post, telephone, or in person. The LVQOL questionnaire was completed on four occasions, each separated by four weeks. Results-Postal implementation was the most cost effective method, showed the highest internal consistency of LVQOL items, but resulted in a lower apparent quality of life score than either telephone or in-person interviews (p<0.001). There was no difference in test-retest reliability between the three methods of implementation (p = 0.12). The profile of LVQOL scores showed a trend towards reduced quality of life scores 3 months after the baseline measures, although this was not significant. Conclusion-Posting may be the method of choice for clinical measurement of vision related quality of life. Patients with greater visual impairment were no less likely to complete a questionnaire when implemented by post and there was no apparent bias from other people assisting them. The quality of life measure can occur at any time up to 2 months after low vision rehabilitation for the progressive nature of conditions causing low vision not to cause a decreased baseline score. The LVQOL was shown to be a highly internally consistent and reliable method for measuring quality of life in the visually impaired.

History

Journal

British Journal of Ophthalmology

Volume

84

Pagination

1035-1040

Location

London, Eng.

ISSN

0007-1161

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Issue

9

Publisher

BMJ

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