Vanderbilt Mini Patient-Reported Outcomes Measure for Gender-Affirming Surgery: A Short Form.

Abstract

Gender-affirming surgery (GAS) is becoming increasingly more accessible as a treatment option for gender dysphoria. However, presently available patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) for GAS are either unvalidated or limited in scope. Therefore, we developed a short-form PROM to broadly evaluate GAS outcomes in transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) patients. Using a mixed-methods approach, the Vanderbilt Mini-PROM-Gender (VMP-G) was validated in a TGNB population to assess GAS patient-reported outcomes. Classical test theory methods were used to evaluate acceptability, reliability, and validity. As a novel instrument, scales were validated through cognitive interviews and patient feedback. VMP-G is a 20-item instrument composed of the following 4 domains: quality of life, self-concept, satisfaction, and gender dysphoria. The instrument was developed and validated with 130 TGNB patients. Psychometric properties, including acceptability, reliability, and validity, were determined to be acceptable or exceeded classical test theory criteria. VMP-G is the first short-form PROM validated specifically in GAS patients that can reliably evaluate GAS outcomes for a broad spectrum of gender identities and gender-affirming procedures. As a short form, VMP-G can decrease both provider and respondent burden and standardize the collection of GAS patient-reported outcomes data in routine clinical practice.