Table 2.
Comparison of measures against conceptual framework
| Conceptual framework | Fatigue severity scale | EQ-5D | SF-6D | MSIS-8D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptions of fatigue | ||||
| General fatigue or vitality |
3. Easily fatigued 5. Causes frequent problems 8. Among most disabling symptoms |
– | 6. Vitality | – |
| Physical effects | ||||
| General |
4. Interferes with physical functioning 6. Prevents sustained physical functioning |
– | 1. Physical functioning | 1. Physically demanding tasks |
| Triggers- | ||||
| Specific physical effects | 2. Exercise brings on fatigue |
4. Pain/Discomfort 1. Mobility |
4. Pain | 3. Being stuck at home |
| Mental effects | ||||
| General | – | – | – | 5. Feeling mentally fatigued |
| Specific psychological effects | 1. Motivation is lower | 5. Anxiety/Depression | 5. Mental health |
6. Irritable, impatient, short-tempered 8. Feeling depressed |
| Specific cognitive effects | – | – | – | 7. Problems concentrating |
| Indirect effects | – | – | – | – |
| Participation effects | ||||
| General |
7. Interferes with duties & responsibilities 9. Interferes with work, family, social life |
– | 3. Being stuck at home | |
| Effects on specific activities |
2. Self-Care 3. Usual Activities |
1. Physical functioning 2. Role limitations 3. Social functioning 4. Pain |
2. Social and leisure activities 4. Work or other daily activities |
|
EQ-5D EuroQoL EQ-5D-3L; SF-6D Short-Form 6D, MSIS-8D Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale – Eight Dimensions
Explanation for allocation of particular items:
• SF-6D Physical functioning: included under both “Physical effects” and “Functioning/ participation” because level descriptions include “moderate/ vigorous activities” and “bathing and dressing”
• SF-6D Pain: included under both “Physical effects” and “Functioning/ participation” because level descriptions include “pain that interferes with your normal work”
• SF-6D Mental health: included under “Specific psychological effects” because level descriptions refer to feeling “tense or downhearted and low”
• SF-6D Role limitations: included under “Functioning/ participation – activities” because level descriptions refer to “work or other regular daily activities”.
• MSIS-8D Being stuck at home: included under “Specific physical effects” because the MSIS-8D uses this question as a proxy for mobility, however we have also included it here under “Functioning/ participation”