Demonstration of the validity of the SF-36 for measurement of the temporal recovery of quality of life outcomes in burns survivors

Objective: Outcome assessment after burn is complex. Determination of quality of life is often measured using the Burns Specific Health Scale (BSHS), a validated tool in the burn population. The SF-36 is a generic quality of life questionnaire that is validated for numerous populations, but not in burns. The aim of the study was to examine the validity of SF-36, using the BSHS as a reference. Methods: 280 burn patients were recruited at Royal Perth Hospital. Each completed SF-36 and BSHS-B at regular intervals to 2 years after burn. Regression modelling was used to assess the temporal validity and the relative sensitivity of the measures. Results: SF-36 domains and BSHS-B demonstrated significant associations at all time points (r = 0.37-0.76, p < 0.002). In the months after burn, SF-36 domains: role physical; bodily pain; social function and role emotional outperformed BSHS-B total score and domain scores. Greater measurement sensitivity was demonstrated in all SF-36 summary and subscales measures (except General Health) when compared to BSHS-B and sub-domains. Conclusion: This study demonstrated SF-36 as a valid measure of recovery of quality of life in the burn patient population. The data suggests that SF-36 components were more sensitive to change than the BSHS-B from similar to 1 month after injury. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.