Development of the cancer-related loneliness assessment tool: Using the findings of a qualitative analysis to generate questionnaire items

K. B. Cunningham (Lead / Corresponding author), T. Kroll, M. Wells

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)
374 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The aim of this research was to develop a tool to identify and assess the qualities of cancer-related loneliness in adult cancer survivors who have completed treatment. In addition to reporting the development of the tool, we explicate the process of using the findings of a qualitative analysis to generate questionnaire items, as currently little guidance exists on this topic. The findings of our qualitative research exploring the experience of loneliness in adult cancer survivors who had completed treatment, together with the findings of our concept analysis of loneliness, were used to develop an assessment tool for cancer-related loneliness following treatment completion. Cognitive testing was undertaken to assess fidelity of comprehension and feasibility in administration. The Cancer-Related Loneliness Assessment Tool is a 10-item self-report questionnaire capturing the essential elements of cancer-related loneliness following treatment completion. Experts believed the questionnaire to be face-valid and usable in clinical practice, and preliminary cognitive testing indicated that the items generate the information intended and individuals have little trouble completing the tool. Following further development work, the tool could be employed to identify cancer-related loneliness following treatment completion. It could also aid with the development/adaptation and evaluation of person-centred interventions to address such loneliness.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere12769
Pages (from-to)1-9
Number of pages9
JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer Care
Volume27
Issue number2
Early online date15 Sept 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Mar 2018

Keywords

  • Cancer survivors
  • loneliness
  • assessment tool
  • questionnaire development
  • qualitative findings
  • cancer survivors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires/standards
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Social Support
  • Male
  • Loneliness
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Aged
  • Qualitative Research
  • Cancer Survivors/psychology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology

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