Expanding construct validity of established and new PROMIS Pediatric measures for children and adolescents receiving cancer treatment

Background The Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric measures were designed to assess symptoms and functioning in children and adolescents. The study goal was to evaluate the validity and responsiveness of the PROMIS Pediatric measures in a diverse cohort of children with cancer. Methods Children (7‐18 years) from nine pediatric oncology hospitals completed surveys at 72 hours preceding treatment initiation (T1) and at follow‐up (T2) approximately 7 to 17 days later for chemotherapy, and 4+ weeks later for radiation. Children completed PROMIS Pediatric measures (Mobility, Pain Interference, Fatigue, Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, Psychological Stress), Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS), and global impressions of change (GIC) questions on their symptoms and functioning at T2 reflecting on T1. Parents completed the Lansky Play‐Performance Status (PPS) scale and medication list for their child. Results The children (n = 482) were average age 12.9 years, 46% female, 60% Caucasian, and had diverse cancers and treatments. There were moderate to strong correlations between PROMIS Pediatric and MSAS, supporting convergent validity. In support for known‐groups validity, the PROMIS Pediatric average scores were statistically different (P