The AVVQ study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Reproducibility of the varicose vein drawings in the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ)
IRAS ID
170053
Contact name
Julie Brittenden
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 19 days
Research summary
The Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) is a validated tool for assessing the perceived health of patients with varicose veins. The questionnaire has been used extensively in RCTs comparing effectiveness of treatments for varicose veins and is also used across NHS Trusts in England as a Patient Reported Outcome Measure to evaluate surgical outcomes. In addition, it is used in routine practice in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in patients referred to the varicose vein clinic.
The AVVQ comprises 12 questions and a set of manikin legs, on which participants are asked to draw their veins. There are clear guidelines for scoring the AVVQ, and these include the use of the manikin legs. From the patient’s perspective there are likely to be inherent problems in drawing their veins accurately onto the manikin legs. It is our experience that the process of interpreting the drawings and “scoring” the legs (done by researchers) is time-consuming and also somewhat subjective in that different raters may “score” legs differently.
It is therefore of interest to determine if patients can represent their veins in a consistent manner, giving a reliable account of their condition (test-retest reliability) and whether different interpreters are consistent in scoring the drawings (inter-rater reliability).
Potential participants will be identified from patients attending the varicose vein clinic. As part of routine clinical practice, patients are sent a copy of the AVVQ with their appointment to complete before their appointment.
We will approach all patients who attend the varicose vein clinic about the study (all consultants have agreed to their patients being approached). Information about the study will be provided. If patients wish to participate, written informed consent will be sought and they will be asked to fill the study AVVQ (including additional questions about ease of completion) before their consultation with the vascular surgeon/specialist nurse.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SW/0024
Date of REC Opinion
4 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion