Abstract
While fecal incontinence and constipation can be measured through physiological testing,
the subjective experience of severity and impact on health-related quality of life
lead to both being most effectively captured through patient-reported measures. Patient-reported
measures of severity and impact help to determine baseline symptoms, guide clinical
decision making, and compare various treatments. Here, we take pause to review the
psychometric qualities that make effective instruments, and discuss some of the most
commonly used instruments along with the reasons behind their use. In addition, we
highlight the benefits of a standardized instrument designed to evaluate the major
symptoms of patients presenting with pelvic floor disorders (including fecal incontinence
and constipation). Ultimately, we aim to provide guidance in choosing appropriate
instruments for clinical and research use.
Keywords
patient-reported outcomes - fecal incontinence metrics - constipation metrics - severity
measures