Measuring quality of life in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery: a systematic review of patient-reported outcomes instruments.
BACKGROUND
Patient-reported outcomes in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery are increasingly important for clinical research endeavors. Traditional surgical outcomes, centered on morbidity and mortality, remain important but are no longer sufficient on their own. Quality of life has become a crucial research topic augmenting traditional concerns focused on complications and survival. Given this, reliable and valid patient questionnaires are essential for aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgeons.


METHODS
The authors performed a systematic literature review to identify patient-reported outcome measures developed and validated for use in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery patients. Qualifying instruments were assessed for adherence to international guidelines for health outcomes instrument development and validation.


RESULTS
The authors identified 227 health outcomes questionnaires used in breast surgery studies. After 135 generic instruments, 65 ad hoc instruments, seven oncologic instruments, 11 education questionnaires, and two non-English-language questionnaires were excluded, seven measures remained. Detailed analysis revealed that six of the seven measures had undergone limited development and validation. Only one measure, the Breast-Related Symptoms Questionnaire, demonstrated adequate development and validation in its target population. It had, nevertheless, significant content limitations.


CONCLUSIONS
Valid, reliable, and responsive instruments to measure patient-reported outcomes in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery are lacking. To demonstrate the benefits of aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery, future research to rigorously develop and validate new cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery-specific instruments is needed.
Pusic
Andrea L
AL
New York, N.Y.; London, United Kingdom; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and Lebanon, N.H. From the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, University College London, University of British Columbia, and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
Chen
Constance M
CM
Cano
Stefan
S
Klassen
Anne
A
McCarthy
Colleen
C
Collins
E Dale
ED
Cordeiro
Peter G
PG
D001940:Breast / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000523:psychology*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires