Concept elicitation within patient-powered research networks: A feasibility study in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Kelly P. McCarrier*, Scott Bull, Sarah Fleming, Kristina Simacek, Paul Wicks, David Cella, Renee Pierson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives To explore the feasibility of using social media-based patient networks to gather qualitative data on patient-reported outcome (PRO) concepts relevant to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Methods Between August and November 2013, US-residing members of the PatientsLikeMe online CLL patient community completed open-ended web-based surveys designed to elicit descriptions of CLL symptoms, impacts, and treatment-related perceptions. Qualitative telephone follow-up interviews were conducted with a subsample of respondents. Survey responses and interview transcripts were coded for qualitative analysis using Atlas.ti. Results Fifty survey responses were included in the analyses. Participants were age 60.5 ± 6.9 years, 54% female, and 96% white. When surveyed, 20% were receiving current treatment, 16% were in remission, and 64% were treatment-naïve. Among respondents, 369 descriptions of CLL symptoms were coded. Fatigue-related symptoms were expressed most frequently, with 54% reporting "fatigue," "tiredness," or both in their responses. These concepts were followed by night sweats (38%), swollen lymph nodes (32%), and frequent infections (28%). Among impacts of CLL, worry and fear (66% of respondents), depressed feelings (52%), and work limitations (50%) were noted most frequently. Conclusions Survey results identified constitutional symptoms of CLL included in existing PRO instruments and the literature. Although the findings suggest that qualitative data obtained through social media applications can be potentially useful in supporting concept identification for newly developed PRO instruments, they also indicate that online approaches alone may not be sufficient to achieve efficient and exhaustive concept elicitation. Further research is needed to identify whether the results can support content validity in the same way as established qualitative research methods.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)42-52
Number of pages11
JournalValue in Health
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2016

Funding

Source of financial support: This research was funded by Janssen Global Services, through contracts with PatientsLikeMe and Health Research Associates. This research was funded by Janssen Global Services, through contracts with PatientsLikeMe and Health Research Associates. KM is an employee of Health Research Associates; DC is a paid consultant to Janssen Global Services; and SB, SF, RP (Janssen) and KS and PW (PLM) are employees or employees/shareholders of their respective firms.

Keywords

  • content validity
  • patient-reported outcomes
  • qualitative methods
  • social media

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health Policy

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