Using PDAs to Capture Health-Related Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Matthew Andrew G, Currie Kristen L, Irvine Jane, Ritvo Paul, Santa Mina Daniel, Jamnicky Leah, Nam Robert, Trachtenberg John
Primary Institution: University Health Network
Hypothesis
Can personal digital assistants (PDAs) effectively replace paper questionnaires for capturing health-related quality of life data in prostate cancer patients?
Conclusion
The study confirms that using PDAs for health-related quality of life data capture is reliable, valid, and preferred by patients over traditional paper methods.
Supporting Evidence
- 82.8% of participants preferred using the PDA or had no preference.
- Lower missed item rates were found in PDA administration compared to paper.
- Test-retest reliability was confirmed for PDA repeated administration.
Takeaway
This study shows that using handheld devices like PDAs to collect health information from prostate cancer patients is easier and more reliable than using paper forms.
Methodology
Participants were randomly assigned to complete health-related quality of life surveys using either paper or PDA formats, and data quality and feasibility were assessed.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to self-selection of participants who are more comfortable with technology.
Limitations
The study may not be generalizable to all prostate cancer patients as it was conducted in a single clinic.
Participant Demographics
Participants were prostate cancer patients, with a mean age of approximately 67 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
0.589–0.978
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website