Grant: Project Grant

Patient-reported outcome instruments (PROs) are questionnaires that measures patient concerns about their health by asking them directly. In surgery, the patient's perspective is particularly relevant as many key outcomes require the patient to self-report. For patients, surgeons and healthcare managers to make well-informed decisions, reliable and meaningful PRO data are needed. Our team is internationally known for creating a series of PRO instruments for adult plastic and reconstructive surgery patients. Our methods include a systematic review (Phase I), a qualitative study (Phase 2) and an international field test (Phase 3). To address the shortage of PROs for pediatric plastic surgery patients, we recently created FACE-Q Kids. This PRO instrument covers the concerns of patients who have conditions associated with a facial difference, including ear anomalies, facial paralysis and skeletal and soft tissue conditions. FACE-Q Kids is composed of 21 independently functioning scales that measure facial appearance, quality of life and facial function. Our GOAL is to finish the development of FACE-Q Kids. Our specific AIMS are: (1) field test FACE-Q Kids in Canada, USA and UK; (2) train/mentor new PRO scientists; and (3) promote the use of FACE-Q Kids through knowledge translation and exchange activities. Data will be collected from 624 patients aged 8-25 years and from 4 pediatric centres each in Canada, USA and UK (n=12). Patients will be invited to complete FACE-Q Kids scales directly into a web-based database (REDCap). The analysis will aim to identify the best subset of items to keep in the final version of FACE-Q Kids.