Adaptation and content validation of measure yourself medical outcomes profile (MYMOP) for 7–11 year-old children

Background: The Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP) is an individualised tool designed for adults but used with children without any evidence of validation in this population. Individualised instruments are patient-specific rather than disease-specific and therefore can be applied across various health conditions. This study sought to adapt, and content validate the MYMOP for application in 7–11 year old children. 

Methods: There were two main phases of the four iterations: expert consultation (three rounds) and interviews with child-parent pairs at the Outpatient clinics of a Children’s Hospital. Thematic analysis was undertaken using an inductive, interpretative approach. 

Results: Four paediatricians completed the first survey, five paediatricians participated in the focus group, and four paediatric health-related quality of life (HRQOL) research experts completed the second survey. Several changes were recommended to the MYMOP by the expert groups. Twenty-five children (17 general medicine, and 8 diabetes/endocrine clinic) aged 7–11 years completed the draft paediatric MYMOP (P-MYMOP) and were interviewed. Results demonstrated that the majority of participants were able to identify their own problems and activity limitations, and all participants understood the 7-point faces scale. Most parents and children perceived that the P-MYMOP would be useful to complete before clinic appointments. 

Conclusions: The P-MYMOP is the first content-validated generic individualised HRQOL measure for children 7–11 years old. Given that validation is an iterative process, further research to assess its feasibility, reliability, and construct validity is required.