Abstract
Objective Elective lumbar and cervical operations are becoming more common in the United States. Additionally, there is a movement in the literature and clinical practice to discover short versions of longer measures as a way to anticipate an outcome. This study aims to provide neurosurgeons in practice with a three-item questionnaire that can guide referrals to psychological services presurgery. Ultimately, results could lead to an improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) postspinal surgery.
Methods This quantitative-descriptive, survey-based design with a retrospective chart review component followed 47 patients at baseline (N = 47), 3 months (N = 20), 6 months (N = 31), and 1 year (N = 19). A single item from the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, the Survey of Pain Attitudes, and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia were utilized in the three-item questionnaire as a baseline measure. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health measured HRQoL outcome at all time points. A linear regression model was conducted to predict mental health QoL postspinal surgery.
Results This measure can predict mental health QoL outcomes up to 3-month postsurgery. Six-month and 1-year follow-ups are statistically inconclusive.
Conclusion Individuals who are undergoing spinal surgery show lower mental health QoL outcome at baseline and 3-month postsurgery when responses on a three-item questionnaire are elevated. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Psychometric evaluation and adaptation of the Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire to evaluate health-related quality of life in patients with spinal metastases