The total neuropathy score: a tool for measuring chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the psychometric properties, clinical significance, and utility of the Total Neuropathy Score (TNS), a composite measurement tool used to assess chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).


METHODS
Published articles and abstracts and pertinent article references.


RESULTS
CIPN has been quantified inadequately because of the lack of an optimal measurement tool. The TNS is the most comprehensive composite tool to have been tested in oncology settings. The tool assesses neuropathy signs and symptoms and incorporates nerve conduction study results but inadequately assesses neuropathy-related pain severity. Seven studies have reported on the TNS's psychometric properties.


CONCLUSIONS
Initial but limited evidence supports the TNS's psychometric properties. The tool is too burdensome and inadequately assesses pain severity. Further revision and testing of the tool are recommended.


CONCLUSIONS
TNS simplification and further psychometric testing could lead to future use by oncology nurses.
Smith
Ellen M Lavoie
EM
Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, USA. ellen.l.smith@hitchcock.org
Beck
Susan L
SL
Cohen
Jeffrey
J
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D020258:Neurotoxicity Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing; D011594:Psychometrics; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents