Development of the new Retinopathy Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (RetTSQ)

Abstract Objective To incorporate patients' views in the design of a measure of satisfaction with treatment for diabetic retinopathy, to be used in evaluation of currently available and anticipated new therapies. This report focuses on development of the Retinopathy Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (RetTSQ). Development of the RetDQoL quality of life measure in the same interviews is reported elsewhere. Methodology During semi-structured interviews with 44 people with diabetic retinopathy (11 in each of 2 UK and 2 German hospitals), interviewees described their experiences of retinopathy treatments and reactions to possible new therapies. They completed and commented on a draft RetTSQ, based on the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ). Drafts were revised and translated between centres, incorporating patients' views. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and content analysed. Results Interviewees were 26 men, 18 women; median age 60.8 (range: 28–82), having background or proliferative retinopathy with a range of severity (one or both eyes); median visual acuity better eye 0.80 (range: 0.0025 (hand motion only)–1.20 (6/5 vision)). Satisfaction dimensions included treatment effectiveness, emotional and physical experiences before, during and after treatment, information provision and influence over treatment. The resulting RetTSQ has 13 items and an open question, allowing additional items to be developed if needed for future treatments. Conclusions The RetTSQ has face and content validity for a wide range of people with diabetic retinopathy in two European countries. It is ready for further validation and for use in research and clinical contexts.