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

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.