The experience of using the SEIQoL-DW with patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): issues of process and outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To report the experience of using the SEIQoL-DW for the measurement of quality of life with patients with advanced COPD and consider its feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness for a Phase III randomised controlled trial (RCT).


METHODS
The SEIQoL-DW was administered according to its instructions within a Phase II RCT 3-5 times per patient, across 13 patients and the process audio-recorded. Quantitative and qualitative criteria were used to assess feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness. Qualitative analysis of the transcripts and fieldwork notes was conducted using Framework Analysis.


RESULTS
The SEIQoL-DW steps (of identifying five quality of life cues, rating their functioning and importance) were completed at 48/51 interviews. However, some respondents were overwhelmed by the scripted introduction, experienced difficulty with cue identification, and focused only on certain types of cues (Step 1); some had difficulty interpreting and rating the concept of Step 2; and some had difficulty interpreting 'importance' and manipulating the SEIQoL-DW disc (Step 3).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with advanced COPD were able to complete the SEIQoL-DW but analysis of its administration identified practical and conceptual concerns which question the validity of the results obtained. Suggestions for the development of the SEIQoL-DW and future feasibility studies are given.
General Practice and Primary Care Research Unit, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, and Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals' NHS Foundation Trust, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0SR, UK. mcf22@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Morag
M
Farquhar
Gail
G
Ewing
Irene J
IJ
Higginson
Sara
S
Booth
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005791:Patient Care; D011594:Psychometrics; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013637:Tape Recording; D016896:Treatment Outcome