The objective of this systematic review was to identify and assess the quality of PROMs being used for adults with CRS.
A systematic review of Ovid MEDLINE (R) (1947-May 2015), Embase, and the Cochrane databases was performed using the following key terms: [“chronic” AND “*sinusitis”] AND [PROM OR patient reported outcome measure* OR quality of life OR questionnaire OR survey OR valid* OR develop*]. An unlimited truncation strategy (placement of *) was used to capture all variations of terms used. The quality of each PROM was assessed and reported using standardized criteria from the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments checklist.
A total of 15 PROMs validated for use in adult patients with CRS were identified. Fourteen instruments were specific to adults with CRS, and one was a generic quality-of-life instrument (EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire [EQ-5D]). There was significant variation in the quality of development and reporting of psychometric properties. Overall, the highest quality validated PROMs for adults with CRS were (1) the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (19 points), (2) the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (14 points), (3) the Sinusitis Control Test (14 points), and (4) the EQ-5D (13 points). Most of the PROMs were developed for research purposes such as determining changes in health-related quality of life or symptoms after an intervention as opposed to improving clinical decision making.
Based on quality assessment, the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test, the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders, and the Sinusitis Control Test provided the highest quality CRS-specific PROMs, whereas the EQ-5D provided the highest quality generic quality-of-life instrument. Future CRS PROMs will need to incorporate clinical domains that assess common comorbid diseases along with patient values and preferences to improve clinical decision making.