Comparison of the paper‐based and electronic versions of the Dermatology Life Quality Index: evidence of equivalence

Abstract

What's already known about this topic? The use of patient reported outcome measures (PROs) in electronic format has been increasing.  Electronic formats are usually not validated or compared to their original paper-based formats, but are assumed without evidence to be comparable.  The benefits of using electronic PROs include portability, real-time monitoring of patients' quality of life and improved data capture. What does this study add? There is equivalence between completing the DLQI on paper and in an electronic format.  Patients prefer the electronic format to the paper version: the electronic format takes slightly longer to complete.  This equivalence testing of the electronic format of the DLQI with the paper version will reassure and encourage such use in clinical and research settings. ABSTRACT BackgroundThe use of patient-reported outcome measures in electronic format has been increasing. However, these formats are usually not validated or compared to the original paper-based formats, so there is no evidence that they are completed in the same way.

Pityriasis rubra pilaris: algorithms for diagnosis and treatment

“…Scoring systems, such as the Physician Global Assessment (PGA), a 5‐ or 6‐point scoring system used to assess disease severity (0 = clear, 1 = almost clear, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate and 4 = severe), are established. Other well‐known scoring systems are the body surface area and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) …”

“…Other well-known scoring systems are the body surface area and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). 91,127 We suggest defining a marked therapy response as a change in PGA ≥2 or absolute PGA≤2, an affected body surface area <10% or clearing of >75% of the affected body surface area and/or a DLQI score of <10.…”

Going paperless: a new era for patient‐reported outcome measures in dermatology

“…This topical and robust work by Ali and colleagues provides confidence for the use of an electronic version of the DLQI in both clinical and research settings. This research has a potentially significant impact in an increasingly time‐pressured clinical environment and encourages the implementation of innovative paperless data collection methodologies in dermatology.…”

“…Data resulting from a newly developed electronic measure is not considered comparable with data from its paper counterpart unless measurement equivalence has been demonstrated . In this issue of the BJD , Ali et al . test the measurement equivalence of the paper DLQI with a newly developed electronic version.…”

Broader concepts of quality of life measurement, encompassing validation

“…HRQoL measures are frequently administered 'on screen' on the unproven assumption that subjects will respond to a questionnaire administered via tablet or smart phone in the same way as on paper. The validity of administering the DLQI in an app has now been demonstrated, 25 providing reassurance to users of the DLQI that this mode of application will not invalidate results.…”