Validating a pictorial Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaire.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot study designing and validating a pictorial Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaire for the diagnosis of sleep conditions.
IRAS ID
202261
Contact name
Tracey Fleming
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 5 days
Research summary
There is a high incidence of people being diagnosed with sleep conditions, therefore, we need appropriate tools in order to diagnose them accurately.
Currently the main questionnaire used to diagnose and monitor a patient’s level of sleepiness is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). This questionnaire contains eight real life scenarios in which patients are asked to rank according to how sleepy they feel. (0-would never doze, 1-slight chance of dozing, 2-moderate chance of dozing and 3-high chance of dozing). From clinical practice we have observed that patients often fill out the questionnaire poorly, for example answering in a yes/no manner or circling the scale instead of writing the numbers next to the scenario. This demonstrates that the written ESS can be confusing for some patients, especially those with limited literacy skills or who speak little English.We aim to perform a pilot study to see if an ESS that is pictorial would be easier for patients to understand, as they would be able to visualise each scenario. If a pictorial ESS is found to be more understandable, clinicians would not need to sit through all the questions with the patients, which could influence the answers.This will allow for more accurate diagnosis and follow up of patients.
Patients will be asked to complete a written and a pictorial ESS. They will also complete a third questionnaire about their preference. 30 participants will be recruited who are able to read and write in English, and aged 18 years or over. Patients who have a referral for a sleep study and written ESS will be eligible.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/2247
Date of REC Opinion
23 Dec 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion