Comorbidity assessment in skin cancer patients: A pilot study comparing medical interview with a patient-reported questionnaire Journal Article


Authors: Lee, E. H.; Nijhawan, R. I.; Nehal, K. S.; Dusza, S. W.; Levine, A.; Hill, A.; Barker, C. A.
Article Title: Comorbidity assessment in skin cancer patients: A pilot study comparing medical interview with a patient-reported questionnaire
Abstract: Background. Comorbidities are conditions that occur simultaneously but independently of another disorder. Among skin cancer patients, comorbidities are common and may influence management. Objective. We compared comorbidity assessment by traditional medical interview (MI) and by standardized patient-reported questionnaire based on the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 (ACE-27). Methods. Between September 2011 and October 2013, skin cancer patients underwent prospective comorbidity assessment by a Mohs surgeon (MI) and a radiation oncologist (using a standardized patient-reported questionnaire based on the ACE-27, the PRACE-27). Comorbidities were identified and graded according to the ACE-27 and compared for agreement. Results. Forty-four patients were evaluated. MI and PRACE-27 identified comorbidities in 79.5% and 88.6% (p=0.12) of patients, respectively. Among 27 comorbid ailments, the MI identified 9.9% as being present, while the PRACE-27 identified 12.5%. When there were discordant observations, PRACE-27 was more likely than MI to identify the comorbidity (OR=5.4, 95% CI = 2.4-14.4, p<0.001). Overall comorbidity scores were moderate or severe in 43.2% (MI) versus 59.1% (PRACE-27) (p=0.016). Limitations. Small sample size from a single institution. Conclusion. Comorbidities are common in skin cancer patients, and a standardized questionnaire may better identify and grade them. More accurate comorbidity assessments may help guide skin cancer management. © 2015 Erica H. Lee et al.
Keywords: adult; clinical article; aged; anamnesis; comparative study; incidence; skin cancer; self report; questionnaire; disease severity; pilot study; human; male; female; priority journal; article; comorbidity assessment
Journal Title: Journal of Skin Cancer
Volume: 2015
ISSN: 2090-2905
Publisher: Hindawi Publishing Corporation  
Date Published: 2015-01-01
Start Page: 953479
Language: English
DOI: 10.1155/2015/953479
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC4477200
PUBMED: 26180643
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 3 February 2016 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Kishwer S Nehal
    278 Nehal
  2. Stephen Dusza
    288 Dusza
  3. Erica H Lee
    135 Lee
  4. Christopher Barker
    218 Barker
  5. Amanda   Hill
    3 Hill
  6. Amanda   Levine
    2 Levine