The content validation of the Self-Reported Misuse, Abuse and Diversion of Prescription Opioids (SR-MAD) instrument for use in patients with acute or chronic pain

AbstractBackground: Establishing content validity is an essential component of instrument development.Objective: To assess the content validity and patient interpretation of the Self-Reported Misuse, Abuse and Diversion of Prescription Opioids (SR-MAD) instrument.Methods: A cross-sectional, qualitative study was conducted in patients with chronic or acute pain. Patients were recruited from three patient groups (opioid naive, known opioid abusers, and chronic opioid non-abusers). After patients completed the SR-MAD, they participated in an in-person cognitive interview to assess the patient’s understanding of the instrument. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were performed.Results: Fifty-seven patients (Wave 1: 20; Wave 2: 37) were enrolled and completed the SR-MAD and cognitive interview. Mean age was 54.5 ± 13.7 years (range 25–84) with 12.5 years of living with pain. The most common chronic pain conditions were back pain (68%), neck pain (32%), and osteoarthritis (25%). Overall, most patients ...