Development of Functional Abilities Assessment in Paediatric Oncology (FAAP-O) Scale for Children and Adolescents Affected by Cancer
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background/Objectives: Functional abilities are fundamental for social participation. However, functional abilities assessment tools validated for children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment are lacking. A preliminary validation of the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) scale for children with cancer found that some items are unable to discriminate or distinguish between different gross motor function levels. This study aims to develop and validate the Functional Abilities Assessment in Paediatric Oncology (FAAP-O), starting with GMFM-88. Methods: This multicentre study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04862130) involved children and adolescents (6 months–18 years old) diagnosed with cancer, in any phase of treatment or less than 1 year off therapy. A multiphase mixed-methods design was employed. The content validity of each item of GMFM-88 for the paediatric oncology population was calculated with the Content Validity Ratio (CVR). Items with a CVR score ≥ 0.70 were included in the FAAP-O scale. Other items with a score between 0 and 0.69 were selected for their relevance by consensus with five focus groups and a plenary meeting. The FAAP-O items set was organised in five dimensions by exploratory factor analyses. The calculation of FAAP-O internal consistency was made using Cronbach’s α while inter/intra-rater reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results: The study involved 217 subjects. The FAAP-O included 36 items; its internal consistency was good in each dimension (0.90 ≤ α ≤ 0.96) and its inter/intra-rater reliability was excellent (ICC > 0.90). Conclusions: A new specifically validated scale to assess functional abilities in children and adolescents with cancer is provided. Validated tools are necessary for specific, objective rehabilitation assessments, which are fundamental in clinical practice and research.
Source: Children
Authors: Francesca Rossi, Monica Valle, Giulia Carlucci, Marco Tofani, Giovanni Galeoto, Paola Berchialla, Veronica Sciannameo, Marco Clari, Mario Cardano, Federica Nota, Daniele Bertin, Annalisa Calcagno, Roberto Casalaz, Margherita Cerboneschi, Marta Cervo, Annalisa Cornelli, Morena Delle Fave, Maria Esposito, Miriana Ferrarese, Paola Imazio, Maria Lorenzon, Lucia Longo, Gabriella Naretto, Nicoletta Orsini, Daniele Panzeri, Chiara Pellegrini, Michela Peranzoni, Fabiola Picone, Marco Rabusin, Antonio Trabacca, Claudia Zigrino, Andrea Martinuzzi, Franca Fagioli, Federica Ricci
Institutions: Azienda Ospedaliera Citta' della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Ospedale Regina Margherita, University of Turin, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Link Campus University, Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo, Sapienza University of Rome, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, IRCCS Materno Infantile Burlo Garofolo, Meyer Children's Hospital, Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Ospedale di Bolzano
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
Funder: Ministero della Salute
OpenAlex ID: W4413879556