Methods of development of a symptom and QOL measure for bowel symptoms: ICIQ-BS

Gardener, N; Avery, K; Abrams, P; Norton, C

Abstract

Hypothesis / aims of study
Under the aegis of the International Consultation on Incontinence, whose scientific programmes are organised by the ICS, the ICI Modular Questionnaire (ICIQ) project (www.iciq.net) is developing a comprehensive and universally applicable modular questionnaire for the assessment of a variety of pelvic symptoms, including those of the lower urinary tract, lower bowel and vagina. There are currently no questionnaires that have been sufficiently validated, to adequately measure symptoms and quality of life (QoL) associated with bowel symptoms including anal incontinence (1). The ICIQ-BS intends to address this issue, incorporating various methods at the design stage to improve inclusion of all items of importance to both clinicians and patients. Clinician involvement is essential in order to capture the symptom areas that may be indicative of a functional abnormality. However, although clinicians may be the best observers of the outward manifestations of a trait or disorder, only those who experience it can report on the more subjective elements (2). It is now widely acknowledged that patient involvement should form a fundamental aspect in the development of quality of life measures.

Citation

Gardener, N., Avery, K., Abrams, P., & Norton, C. (2005, August). Methods of development of a symptom and QOL measure for bowel symptoms: ICIQ-BS. Paper presented at International Continence Society Annual Meeting 2005

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: International Continence Society Annual Meeting 2005
• Start Date: Aug 31, 2005
• End Date: Sep 2, 2005
• Acceptance Date: Jun 1, 2005
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: faecal incontinence, patient-centred assessment, questionnaire, qualitative, outcome measure, bowel symptoms
• Publisher URL: https://www.ics.org/Abstracts/Publish/43/000100.pdf
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : International Continence Society Annual Meeting 2005