• Ellen M Lavoie Smith, Jeffrey A Cohen, Marjorie A Pett, and Susan L Beck.
• University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5482, USA. Ellenls@umich.edu
• Cancer Nurs. 2010 May 1; 33 (3): 173-83.

BackgroundAssessment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy signs and symptoms has been hampered because of the lack of simple, reliable, and valid measures.ObjectiveThe study objective was to examine the internal consistency and interrater reliability as well as the structural validity of a 5-component total neuropathy score-reduced (TNSr) variant and a chemotherapy-induced neuropathy-specific Neuropathic Pain Scale.MethodsOne hundred seventeen outpatients receiving taxanes or platinums were assessed by a consistent nurse practitioner using the 2 instruments. Ten subjects participated in interrater reliability testing.ResultsMean scores and SDs for individual items were low. The strength item was deleted because of low interitem correlations and a floor effect. The reflex item was deleted because of low interitem correlations and its negative influence on Cronbach alpha. Pin sensibility was deleted because of low factor loadings. The TNSr-short form and the chemotherapy-induced neuropathy-specific Neuropathic Pain Scale formed 2 distinct factors, providing evidence of structural validity. Cronbach alpha's for the 2 instruments were .80 and .96, respectively. The TNSr interrater reliability results suggested acceptable rater concordance, but minor revisions could further improve scoring precision.ConclusionClinimetric evidence supports the use of 2 new instruments when monitoring taxane- and platinum-related neuropathy and pain. Further instrument modifications are recommended, followed by additional testing in diverse populations.Implications For PracticeWith these new instruments, nurses can more easily incorporate prospective neuropathy assessment into daily clinical practice. The outcome will be improved symptom awareness by oncology clinicians and patients, leading to fewer chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy-related devastating effects on functionality and quality of life.

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