A usability and feasibility study of a computerized version of the Bath Adolescent Pain Questionnaire: the BAPQ-C

Abstract

Background: Pain is a common experience in adolescence, with up to 44% of adolescents reporting chronic pain. For a significant minority, severe pain becomes an ongoing disabling problem. Treatment of adolescent chronic pain aims to reduce the impact of pain on adolescents' lives. Efficient, accurate assessment of the impact of pain is essential to treatment. The 'Bath Adolescent Pain Questionnaire' (BAPQ) is a psychometrically robust multidimensional self-report measure of adolescent functioning. Whilst widely used, the paper-based format of the BAPQ can present completion difficulties for adolescents experiencing chronic pain. To increase the accessibility and clinical utility of the BAPQ, an electronic version of the measure is needed. This study assesses the usability and feasibility of a computerized version of this measure (BAPQ-C) in an adolescent chronic pain population. Methods: Fourteen adolescents (13 females; 13-16 years) were recruited from a hospital-based residential pain management programme. Participants completed a qualitative 'thinking aloud task' whilst completing the BAPQ-C. and, an acceptability questionnaire regarding the BAPQ-C. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, a widely used qualitative method of data analysis. Results: Two themes labelled 'engagement and technological appeal' and 'accessibility and independence' were generated. Themes revealed numerous factors contributing to participants' preference for the BAPQ-C compared with the paper version of the BAPQ. Participants reported that the BAPQ-C was 'quicker' and 'easier' to complete than the BAPQ. Functional aspects of the BAPQ-C which included use of a touch screen rather than a pen and paper, font colours/styles, the zoom function and the spellchecker, provided participants with improved access. This subsequently increased participants' independence and confidence when completing the measure. Conclusion: The BAPQ-C is a feasible multidimensional tool for the assessment of functioning in adolescents who experience chronic pain. It was well-received by participants who were able to complete the measure more quickly, independently and confidently than the paper-based BAPQ. Increased speed, ease and accuracy of completion make the BAPQ-C an ideal tool for use in busy clinical and research settings. Findings highlight the potential benefits of adopting the BAPQ-C when assessing the impact of chronic pain on adolescents in clinic and homebased settings.

Emerging Tools to Capture Self-Reported Acute and Chronic Pain Outcome in Children and Adolescents: A Literature Review

“…Overall, 992 titles and abstracts were screened, and 960 were excluded due to lack of relevance. A total of 19 articles met the criteria for inclusion in this study [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. The main reason for rejecting papers was the age range inclusive of children (0–18), without being exclusive to this age range.…”

Outcome Measures for Pediatric Pain: Practical Guidance on Clinical Use in Juvenile Arthritis

“…The BAPQ was developed in English and has not been translated to other languages. The BAPQ paper version has been adapted for electronic use with a computerized version, although this is not widely available . The BAPQ has also been adapted for parent proxy report, assessing parents’ perceptions of the impact of pain on their adolescent's overall life .…”

“…One study examined the reliability and validity in adolescents with rheumatic disease, particularly juvenile idiopathic arthritis . Original psychometric testing was completed in children from the United Kingdom, and another study was able to reproduce similar results with reliability and validity in children from the United States . There is no evidence to support using this tool in children younger than 8 years of age.…”

A systematic review of the biopsychosocial dimensions affected by chronic pain in children and adolescents: identifying reliable and valid pediatric multidimensional chronic pain assessment tools

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