The aim of extensive literature reviews is often to identify and analyze existing PRO/HRQoL scales in a particular disease and recommend the most appropriate assessment in a specific study design.

Methods

These involve extensive searches using both in-house and external sources; the selection and ordering of the most relevant documents (if they are not available in our library); the in-depth review and analysis of selected documents according to specific pre-established grids; and the production of a report, which includes the following information:

Introduction and objectives

Literature search strategy

List of selected references and review of articles

Review of instruments including psychometric properties:

Reliability:
Internal consistency
Reproducibility

Validity:
Content-related
Construct-related
Criterion-related

Responsiveness

Tables comparing the domains assessed by the different instruments identified

Tables comparing the psychometric properties of the instruments identified

Conclusion

Recommendations

Experience

We have conducted dozens of extensive reviews including PRO and HRQL assessment in AIDS, angina pectoris, asthma (adults and children), cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, colostomy, depression, diabetes, dyspepsia, erectile dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux and gastroparesis, general HRQL scales validated in France, glaucoma, in vitro fertilization, menopause and hormone replacement therapy, multiple sclerosis, rhinitis, schizophrenia, urinary disorders, and venous insufficiency.

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