METHODS: Using simulations, the measurement properties of CATs of different length and precision were evaluated and compared allowing for identifying the most suitable settings. All CATs were initiated with the most informative QLQ-C30 item. For each domain two fixed-length and two fixed-precision standard CATs were selected focusing on efficiency (brief version) and precision (long), respectively.
RESULTS: The brief fixed-length CATs included 3-5 items each while the long versions included 5-8 items. The fixed-precision CATs aimed for reliability of 0.65-0.95 (brief versions) and 0.85-0.98 (long versions), respectively. Median sample size savings using the CATs compared to the QLQ-C30 scales ranged 20%-31%, although savings varied considerably across the domains.
CONCLUSIONS: The EORTC CAT Core standard settings simplify selection of relevant and appropriate CATs. The CATs prioritise either brevity and efficiency or precision, but all provide increased measurement precision and hence, reduced sample size requirements compared to the QLQ-C30 scales. The CATs may be used as they are or modified to accommodate specific requirements.
方法:使用模拟,评估并比较了不同长度和精度的CAT的测量特性,从而确定了最合适的设置。所有CAT均以最丰富的QLQ-C30项目启动。对于每个域,选择了两个固定长度和两个固定精度的标准CAT,重点关注效率(简短版本)和精度(长)。分别。
结果:简短的固定长度的CAT包含3-5个项目,而长版包含5-8个项目。固定精度的CAT旨在实现0.65-0.95(简短版本)和0.85-0.98(长版本)的可靠性,分别。与QLQ-C30量表相比,使用CAT节省的样本量中位数为20%-31%,尽管不同领域的节省差异很大。
结论:EORTCCATCore标准设置简化了相关和合适的CAT的选择。CAT优先考虑简洁、高效或精确,但所有这些都提供了更高的测量精度,因此,与QLQ-C30量表相比,样本量要求降低。CAT可以按原样使用或修改以适应特定要求。