How to measure patient and family important outcomes in extremely preterm infants: A scoping review

Acta Paediatr. 2024 Jun;113(6):1228-1235. doi: 10.1111/apa.17228. Epub 2024 Apr 5.

Abstract

Aim: Parents of children born preterm have identified outcomes to be measured for audit and research at 18-24 months of age: child well-being, quality of life/function, socio-emotional/behavioural outcomes, respiratory, feeding, sleeping, and caregiver mental health. The aim was to identify the best tools to measure these seven domains.

Methods: Seven working groups completed literature reviews and evaluated potential tools to measure these outcomes in children aged 18-24 months. A group of experts and parents voted on the preferred tools in a workshop and by questionnaire. Consensus was 80% agreement.

Results: Consensus was obtained for seven brief, inexpensive, parent friendly valid measures available in English or French for use in a minimum dataset and potential alternative measures for use in funded research.

Conclusion: Valid questionnaires and tools to measure parent-identified outcomes in young preterm children exist. This study will facilitate research and collection of data important to families.

Keywords: health‐related quality of life; neonatal prematurity; outcome measures; patient‐centred outcomes research.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Extremely Premature*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Parents / psychology
  • Quality of Life
  • Surveys and Questionnaires