TY - JOUR
T1 - Response shift in patient-reported outcomes
T2 - definition, theory, and a revised model
AU - Vanier, Antoine
AU - Oort, Frans J.
AU - McClimans, Leah
AU - Ow, Nikki
AU - Gulek, Bernice G.
AU - Böhnke, Jan R.
AU - Sprangers, Mirjam
AU - Sébille, Véronique
AU - Mayo, Nancy
AU - Response Shift - in Sync Working Group
PY - 2021/12
Y1 - 2021/12
N2 - Purpose: The extant response shift definitions and theoretical response shift models, while helpful, also introduce predicaments and theoretical debates continue. To address these predicaments and stimulate empirical research, we propose a more specific formal definition of response shift and a revised theoretical model.Methods: This work is an international collaborative effort and involved a critical assessment of the literature.Results: Three main predicaments were identified. First, the formal definitions of response shift need further specification and clarification. Second, previous models were focused on explaining change in the construct intended to be measured rather than explaining the construct at multiple time points and neglected the importance of using at least two time points to investigate response shift. Third, extant models do not explicitly distinguish the measure from the construct. Here we define response shift as an effect occurring whenever observed change (e.g., change in patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) scores) is not fully explained by target change (i.e., change in the construct intended to be measured). The revised model distinguishes the measure (e.g., PROM) from the underlying target construct (e.g., quality of life) at two time points. The major plausible paths are delineated, and the underlying assumptions of this model are explicated.Conclusion: It is our hope that this refined definition and model are useful in the further development of response shift theory. The model with its explicit list of assumptions and hypothesized relationships lends itself for critical, empirical examination. Future studies are needed to empirically test the assumptions and hypothesized relationships.
AB - Purpose: The extant response shift definitions and theoretical response shift models, while helpful, also introduce predicaments and theoretical debates continue. To address these predicaments and stimulate empirical research, we propose a more specific formal definition of response shift and a revised theoretical model.Methods: This work is an international collaborative effort and involved a critical assessment of the literature.Results: Three main predicaments were identified. First, the formal definitions of response shift need further specification and clarification. Second, previous models were focused on explaining change in the construct intended to be measured rather than explaining the construct at multiple time points and neglected the importance of using at least two time points to investigate response shift. Third, extant models do not explicitly distinguish the measure from the construct. Here we define response shift as an effect occurring whenever observed change (e.g., change in patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) scores) is not fully explained by target change (i.e., change in the construct intended to be measured). The revised model distinguishes the measure (e.g., PROM) from the underlying target construct (e.g., quality of life) at two time points. The major plausible paths are delineated, and the underlying assumptions of this model are explicated.Conclusion: It is our hope that this refined definition and model are useful in the further development of response shift theory. The model with its explicit list of assumptions and hypothesized relationships lends itself for critical, empirical examination. Future studies are needed to empirically test the assumptions and hypothesized relationships.
KW - Response shift
KW - Patient-reported outcomes
KW - Quality of life
KW - Definition
KW - Theory
KW - Model
KW - Psychometrics
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85105395948&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s11136-021-02846-w
DO - 10.1007/s11136-021-02846-w
M3 - Article
C2 - 33909187
SN - 0962-9343
VL - 30
SP - 3309
EP - 3322
JO - Quality of Life Research
JF - Quality of Life Research
ER -