Abstract
Background
A cornerstone in treating low back pain (LBP) is the provision of information to patients, and the internet is increasingly being used as a source of health information delivery. However, the effect of and satisfaction with online information have been questioned.
Purpose
To develop a multi-item instrument to measure an index score of satisfaction with online information for patients with LBP.
Methods
The conceptualization of this patient reported outcome is modelled on the assumption of a formative model. The first draft of the questionnaire was developed based on a previous published interview study of 15 patients and evaluated for face validity by seven experts. The second draft of the questionnaire was pilot-tested in 20 patients to optimize content validity. Patients were recruited from a rehabilitation center and from social media.
Results
An eight-item questionnaire was developed after assessing content and face validity. The items were related to design, readability, customization, credibility, usability, and coping. A labelled categorical scale was used for response options. Each item is scored from 0–3, where 0 indicates not at all satisfied, 1 indicates little satisfaction, 2 indicates some satisfaction, and 3 indicates very satisfied giving an overall index score between 0 and 24 points.
Conclusion
An eight-item questionnaire measuring satisfaction with an index score from 0–24 points has been developed. The OPSI questionnaire is now being tested for construct validity, reproducibility and interpretation on 150 patients with LBP.
No conflicts of interest.
Sources of funding: Funded by the Novo Nordic Foundation (NNF17OC0024422).
