Background
Following the success of the two gender-specific HRQoL scales, the diagnostic tools research group focused on developing a single instrument that could be used across genders.
The starting point for the development of the Quality of Sexual Function Scale (QFS) was the three domains (psychological, somato-vegetative and sexual/urogential) used in both the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and the Aging Males’ Symptoms Scale (AMS). The development team also reviewed existing scales for male and female sexual dysfunction and concluded that common experiences are common also across gender. Moreover, two people are usually required to define the quality of sexual life.
Objectives
- Develop a self-administrable scale that is short and easy to complete
- Application across genders, age, ethnicity, social class and health status
- High acceptance in men and women
- Inclusion of the view of the partner
- To develop a tool that is easy to analyze and can be applied to clinical and observational research
- To develop a tool that could also be used as an outcome measure for interventions or therapy
The concept for the development followed recommendations for Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO) Measures as published by FDA.
updated