Validation of QuickDASH outcome measure in breast cancer survivors for upper extremity disability

Abstract

Objective: To validate the QuickDASH as a patient-reported outcome measure for assessing upper extremity disability in breast cancer survivors.

Design: Large cross-sectional survey.

Setting: Ambulatory care center at a university hospital.

Participants: Postmenopausal women (N=150) with stage I to III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer currently taking a third-generation aromatase inhibitor.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main outcome measure: QuickDASH, an 11-item self-administered questionnaire, assesses global arm function over the past 7 days.

Results: Of 150 surveys, 148 (99%) were scorable. The factor analysis demonstrated 1 factor with an eigenvalue of 6.7, which explains 61% of variance. The score was reliable with a Cronbach alpha of .93. The test-retest reliability was .78 over 2 weeks. The mean QuickDASH score ± SD for all patients was 19±19. Those with upper extremity arthralgias reported higher QuickDASH scores than controls without pain (26 vs 12, P=.001). Those with frozen shoulder pain also reported higher QuickDASH scores than controls without pain (37 vs 15, P=.001).

Conclusions: The QuickDASH instrument is a convenient, reliable, and valid patient-reported outcome measure to assess upper extremity disability in patients with breast cancer.

Keywords: Breast neoplasms; Disability evaluation; Rehabilitation; Upper extremity; Validation studies.

Copyright © 2014 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1

Patients with upper extremity joint pain had higher qDASH score than controls

Figure 2

Patients with frozen shoulder has higher qDASH score than controls