title: Interpretation of Renal Quality of Life Profile scores in routine clinical practice: an aid to treatment decision-making.
abstract: High Renal Quality of Life Profile (RQLP) scores are associated with impaired health-related quality of life; however, the clinical meaning of the scores is difficult for clinicians and healthcare planners to interpret. The aim of this study was to determine clinical significance of RQLP scores which could be used to aid clinical decision-making.
  
  
  
  The anchor-based technique (a method for categorizing numeric scores to ease interpretation) was used to develop a categorization system for the RQLP scores using a global question (GQ). The GQ scores (i.e. no effect to extremely large effect) were mapped against the RQLP scores, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to test their agreement. The RQLP and the GQ were administered to 260 adult patients (males = 165 and females = 95) with chronic renal failure (CRF).
  
  
  
  The mean RQLP score was 67.2, median = 61, SD = 41.5, and range 0-172. The mean GQ score was 1.74, median = 2, SD = 1.27, and range 0-4. The mean, mode, and median of the GQ scores for each RQLP score were used to devise several sets of categories of RQLP score, and the ICC test of agreement was calculated. The proposed set of RQLP score banding for adoption includes: 0-20 = no effect on patient's life (GQ = 0, n = 35); 21-51 = small effect on patient's life (GQ = 1, n = 66); 52-93 = moderate effect on patient's life (GQ = 2, n = 87); 94-134 = very large effect on patient's life (GQ = 3, n = 54); and 135-172 = extremely large effect on patient's life (GQ = 4, n = 18). The ICC coefficient for the proposed banding system was 0.80.
  
  
  
  The proposed categorization of the RQLP will aid the clinical interpretation of change in RQLP score informing treatment decision-making in routine practice.
authors.affiliation: South East Wales Trials Unit (SEWTU), Institute of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YS, UK. Aawarn@cf.ac.uk.|School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK. Aawarn@cf.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Nadine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Aawar
authors.affiliation: Consultant Physician and Nephrologist, Tairawhiti District Hospital, Gisborne, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nephrology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Riley
authors.affiliation: School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.|Institute for Medicines Development, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Salek
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000066491:Clinical Decision-Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D013222:State Medicine; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Chronic renal failure; Quality of life; RQLP score banding; RQLP scores interpretation; Renal Quality of Life Profile