Hyperhidrosis quality of life measures: review and patient perspective

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the tools that have been used to measure quality of life in hyperhidrosis research and obtain patient insight on commonly used tools.

Methods: Twelve databases were searched to identify studies that reported measuring quality of life or described a quality of life tool in the context of hyperhidrosis. Data on the use of the tools were tabulated and hyperhidrosis-specific and dermatology-specific measures were summarized. A workshop was held to obtain the patients’ perspective on the most commonly used tools and the newly developed HidroQoL tool.

Results: One hundred and eighty-two studies were included in the review. Twenty-two quality of life tools were identified; two or more tools were often used in combination. The most commonly used tools were the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale, the Dermatology Quality of Life Index and the Hyperhidrosis Quality-of-Life Questionnaire. Patient advisors preferred the new HidroQoL tool, which was considered to be easy to complete and most relevant to hyperhidrosis patients.

Conclusions: There are several tools available for assessing quality of life in hyperhidrosis patients; disease specific measures are widely used and appear suitable. It is unclear which tool is the most reliable, although the HidroQoL tool was preferred by a small group of patient advisors.

KEYWORDS:

• Hyperhidrosis
• quality of life
• dermatology
• review

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Dr Nick J Levell, Consultant Dermatologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Mr Gerard Stansby, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Ms Julie Halford, Specialist Nurse at the Hampshire Clinic for clinical advice. We would also like to thank the four patient advisors for their comments and advice.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

The views and opinions expressed therein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Health.

Additional information

Funding

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme (project number 14/211/02).