Psychometric Evaluation of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Fatigue-Short Form Across Diverse Populations

Abstract

Background The need for reliable, valid tools to measure patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is critical for both research and for evaluating treatment effects in practice. The Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Fatigue-Short Form v1.0 –Fatigue 7a (PROMIS F-SF) has had limited psychometric evaluation in various populations. Objectives The aim of the study is to examine psychometric properties of PROMIS F-SF item responses across various populations. Methods Data from five studies with common data elements were used in this secondary analysis. Samples from patients with fibromyalgia, sickle cell disease, cardiometabolic risk, pregnancy, and healthy controls were used. Reliability was estimated using Cronbach’s alpha. Dimensionality was evaluated with confirmatory factor analysis. Concurrent validity was evaluated by examining Pearson’s correlations between scores from the PROMIS F-SF, the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF), and the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). Discriminant validity was evaluated by examining Pearson’s correlations between scores on the PROMIS F-SF and measures of stress and depressive symptoms. Known groups validity was assessed by comparing PROMIS F-SH scores in the clinical samples to healthy controls. Results Reliability of PROMIS F-SF scores was adequate across samples, ranging from .72 in the pregnancy sample to .88 in healthy controls. Unidimensionality was supported in each sample. Concurrent validity was strong; across the groups, correlations with scores on the MFSI-SF and BFI ranged from .60–.85. Correlations of the PROMIS-SF with measures of stress and depressive mood were moderate to strong, ranging from .37–.64. PROMIS F-SF scores were significantly higher in clinical samples, compared to healthy controls. Discussion Reliability and validity of the PROMIS F-SF were acceptable. The PROMIS F-SF is a suitable measure of fatigue across the four diverse clinical populations included in the analysis.

Performance of the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29‐Item Profile in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

“…To date, a number of researchers have examined the psychometric properties of PROMIS measures in rheumatic conditions, with the largest concentration of work on the physical functioning measures, both CAT and static forms, in RA . More recently, the psychometric performance of other CAT and static scales have been examined in RA , and PROMIS measures are beginning to be explored in other rheumatic conditions .…”

Impact of Endometriosis on Fatigue and Productivity Impairment in a Cross-Sectional Survey of Canadian Women

“…The patient-reported outcomes instruments included in this survey are both valid and reliable. 19,22,23 Although this study provides valuable information on two aspects of the burden of endometriosis from the patient's perspective, there are some important limitations. Because respondents were limited to women who participate in online research panels, sample bias may have been present.…”

Psychometric properties of the PROMIS® Fatigue Short Form 7a among adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

“…However, results suggest that the PROMIS F-SF covered a broad range of fatigue levels and exhibited minimal restriction on the measurement range within this high-fatigue patient population. The PROMIS F-SF is a generic (i.e., not condition-specific) measure that has been tested in various patient populations (e.g., multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, sickle cell disease, cardiometabolic risk, pregnancy) [44,45]. It provides a good opportunity for researchers and clinicians to use a single instrument that allows comparisons within ME/CFS participants with varying levels of functioning impairment as well as comparisons of ME/CFS participants and patients with other fatiguing illnesses.…”