Does the formatting of the patient scale have to be on separate cards versus 1-2 pages?
At this time, the format for this copyrighted scale must remain as the original – each question using a visual analogue scale and also on a separate card. The rationale of the developers is that 1) the patient needs to focus on one card at a time, instead of trying to weigh one symptom against the other; and 2) the published psychometric properties of feasibility, reliability, and validity have been obtained for this original format. However, we now have the results of testing a numerical scanned form with printing on 1-2 pages. The psychometric properties are not affected when changed from the VAS single card format; thus, you have a choice of format. The LCSS format on cards has been working for many multisite trials on six continents over the past decade. These trials have been sponsored by major pharmaceutical companies as well as academic institutions. In addition, this format has been used by many other cancer centers and oncologic groups. If your PI still has a concern, please h
