The invisible malady: a critical review of the quality of instruments to measure cancer-related cognitive changes (CRCC) in women with breast cancer

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this critical review was to determine what assessment instruments are potentially available for identifying cancer related cognitive changes (CRCC) in women with breast cancer. It sought to determine valuable psychometric properties to be considered when approaching assessment tools for clinical use in this population. Methods: A replication of a scoping review (originally conducted in February 2013) was performed in order to identify potential instruments. Searches were completed in eight databases to: (a) identify any new literature from 2013 to 2016, (b) identify instruments that may have clinical utility for the use of practitioners and (c) extract evidence for psychometric properties of the identified measures. Critical analysis of both the studies and the instruments identified within the studies were undertaken in order to assess quality of research. Results: Twenty-two studies were identified, with a total of nineteen assessment instruments potentially available for use with the breast cancer population. Four instruments were identified as having the strongest psychometric properties and potential availability for current clinical utility. Conclusions: Results indicate a lack of consideration for psychometric properties when selecting an instrument for the assessment of CRCC in research studies. These results indicate that clinician’s ability to identify issues relating to CRCC in a standardised way is impacted, thus impeding the development of evidence-based care plans for individuals recovering from breast cancer.