EVAPIL-R Scale: Continuous development and validation of a tool to assess patient-reported tolerability of different contraceptive methods in longitudinal studies.
BACKGROUND



OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to modify the EVAPIL, a questionnaire designed to assess user-reported tolerability of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) in cross-sectional studies, to make it appropriate for assessing the tolerability of intrauterine systems (IUSs), subdermal implants, and COCs in longitudinal studies.


METHODS
Development of the EVAPIL-Revised (EVAPIL-R) was informed by a targeted literature review, qualitative interviews with IUS-prescribing gynecologists (n = 5), and IUS and implant users in the United States, Germany, and France (n = 36).


RESULTS
Evidence generated supports the content validity of the EVAPIL-R for assessing user-reported tolerability of COCs, IUSs, and implants. Modifications to improve the relevance and usability of the questionnaire in longitudinal studies included specification of a defined recall period, addition of separate assessments of frequency and intensity (where relevant), and inclusion of additional items measuring concepts of importance to IUS and implant users (eg, vaginal discharge).


CONCLUSIONS
The EVAPIL-R is a valuable tool for use in research and clinical practice to identify tolerability concerns in hormonal contraceptive users. Future research will evaluate the psychometric validity and responsiveness of the EVAPIL-R. Understanding of user-reported tolerability of contraceptive methods is critical for facilitating patient adherence and potentially reducing the number of unintended pregnancies. The EVAPIL-R may be used to facilitate "women-centered" research and contraceptive counseling and provision.
Orgamétrie Biostatistiques, Roubaix, France.
Pierre
P
Clerson
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Institut Mère Enfant Alix de Champagne, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Reims, France.
Olivier
O
Graesslin
Adelphi Values, Bollington, United Kingdom. Electronic address: adam.gater@adelphivalues.com.
Adam
A
Gater
Adelphi Values, Bollington, United Kingdom.
Fiona
F
Taylor
Bayer Pharma AG , Berlin, Germany.
Anna
A
Filonenko
Bayer Pharma AG , Berlin, Germany.
Ilka
I
Schellschmidt
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc, Montville, New Jersey.
Kimberly
K
Rosen
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000009:adverse effects; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000009:adverse effects; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016206:Databases, Bibliographic; D004343:Drug Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000009:adverse effects; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D054928:Validation Studies as Topic; D055815:Young Adult
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D004343:Drug Implants
adverse events; intrauterine systems; patient-reported outcomes; subdermal implants