Enhancing validity, reliability and participation in self-reported health outcome measurement for children and young people: a systematic review of recall period, response scale format, and administration modality

Introduction Self-report is the gold standard for measuring children's health-related outcomes. Design of such measures is complex and challenging. This review aims to systematically appraise the evidence on recall period, response scale format, mode of administration and approaches needed to enable children and young people < 19 years to participate in valid and reliable self-reporting of their health outcomes. Method PsycInfo, Medline, CINAHL and Embase were searched from 1 January 1990 to 15 March 2020, and citation searching undertaken in Scopus. Articles were included if they were primary research or case reports of >= 3 participants reporting the following: recall period, response scale selection, administration modality. Quality was assessed using QualSyst, and results synthesised narratively. This review was conducted and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Results 81 of 13,215 retrieved articles met the inclusion criteria. Children < 5 years old cannot validly and reliably self-report health outcomes. Face scales demonstrate better psychometric properties than visual analogue or Likert scales. Computerised and paper scales generally show equivalent construct validity. Children prefer computerised measures. Children <= 7 years old think dichotomously so need two response options. Those > 8 years old can reliably use a 3-point scale. Conclusion The results of this review have both clinical and research implications. They can be used to inform appropriate choice of PROM for use with CYP in the clinical setting. We also give eight recommendations for future development of self-reported outcome measures for children and young people.

Automated summary

Self-report is considered the gold standard for measuring children's health-related outcomes, with this review focusing on factors such as recall period, response scale format, and mode of administration. The study found that children under 5 years old cannot validly and reliably self-report health outcomes, and that face scales demonstrate better psychometric properties than visual analogue or Likert scales. The results also indicate that children generally prefer computerised measures and different age groups may require different response options.