Comparison of Content and Psychometric Properties for Assessment Tools Used for Brain Tumor Patients: a Systemic Literature Review

Aims: To determine the most frequently utilized functional status assessment instruments for patients with brain tumors, compare their contents, using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), and their psychometric properties.
Methods: a systematic literature search was performed for identification of the frequently used functional assessment tool in clinical trials in PubMed, ScienceDirect and ProQuest databases. The content of most used instruments was linked to the ICF categories. Psychometric qualities of these assessment tools were systematically searched and analyzed.
Results: Nine most used assessment tools in clinical trials were identified. The Karnofsky Performance Scale was the only generic tool for oncologic patients. Out of four self-assessment tools, three were disease-specific (EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-BN20 and FACT-Br) and one used for different diagnosis (SF-36). The Functional Independence Measure and the Barthel Index were two objective assessment tools that described functioning, but two were neuropsychological tests (MMSE and Trial Making Test). Two hundred eighty-three meaningful concepts were identified and linked to 102 most relevant second-level categories covering all components of the ICF. Forty-nine studies reporting psychometric properties of those nine assessment tools were identified, indicating good reliability and validity for all the instruments.
Conclusion: Nine most frequently utilized functional status assessment instruments for patients with brain tumors represent all components of the ICF and have good psychometric properties. However, the choice of the tool depends on the clinical question posed and the aim of its use.