A Conceptual Framework for Enhancing the Clinical Utility of a Generic Veterinary Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) Tool Vetmetrica™ Through the Addition of a Disease-Specific Module
Author(s)
Thaisa L. Sandri, PhD1, Jacky Reid, PhD2.
1Global Medical Affairs, Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ, USA, 2School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
1Global Medical Affairs, Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ, USA, 2School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
OBJECTIVES: Background:
The VetMetrica™ instruments are validated, web based, generic HRQL assessment tools for companion animals, that effectively assess health status and have been shown to be sensitive to clinical change in diseases such as osteoarthritis, obesity, chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats, and visual impairment in dogs. However, sensitivity in these and other diseases that affect quality of life (QOL) is likely to be heightened by the addition of a disease-specific module designed to complement the existing instrument, enhancing its clinical utility while maintaining its core psychometric properties.
METHODS: Conceptual Framework:
Building on the established VetMetrica™ instrument developmental methodology, we propose a systematic approach to module development that involves; identification of disease-specific domains not captured by the generic instrument; generation of items within these domains through interviews with caregivers and specialists; determination of item weights through multivariate statistical analysis and development of a scoring algorithm that integrates generic scores with those of the module. Psychometric testing of the combined instrument includes confirmation of improved discriminatory ability between disease severity levels compared to the generic instrument alone.
RESULTS: Implications for Outcomes Research:
Modular enhancement of VetMetrica™ offers a practical and innovative pathway for advancing outcomes measurement in veterinary medicine. Integrating disease-specific modules increases the instrument’s sensitivity and effectiveness across a wider range of conditions while preserving its psychometric strengths. This flexibility enables both generic and disease-specific assessments, supporting precise health state evaluation and value-based decisions. The methodology also provides a scalable template for extending VetMetrica™ to new diseases and species.
CONCLUSIONS: By augmenting rather than replacing the established VetMetrica™ instruments, this modular approach offers an efficient path to enhanced clinical utility. The methodology provides a template for developing complementary modules across multiple disease states, creating a flexible assessment system that combines generic health assessment with disease-specific precision where required.
The VetMetrica™ instruments are validated, web based, generic HRQL assessment tools for companion animals, that effectively assess health status and have been shown to be sensitive to clinical change in diseases such as osteoarthritis, obesity, chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats, and visual impairment in dogs. However, sensitivity in these and other diseases that affect quality of life (QOL) is likely to be heightened by the addition of a disease-specific module designed to complement the existing instrument, enhancing its clinical utility while maintaining its core psychometric properties.
METHODS: Conceptual Framework:
Building on the established VetMetrica™ instrument developmental methodology, we propose a systematic approach to module development that involves; identification of disease-specific domains not captured by the generic instrument; generation of items within these domains through interviews with caregivers and specialists; determination of item weights through multivariate statistical analysis and development of a scoring algorithm that integrates generic scores with those of the module. Psychometric testing of the combined instrument includes confirmation of improved discriminatory ability between disease severity levels compared to the generic instrument alone.
RESULTS: Implications for Outcomes Research:
Modular enhancement of VetMetrica™ offers a practical and innovative pathway for advancing outcomes measurement in veterinary medicine. Integrating disease-specific modules increases the instrument’s sensitivity and effectiveness across a wider range of conditions while preserving its psychometric strengths. This flexibility enables both generic and disease-specific assessments, supporting precise health state evaluation and value-based decisions. The methodology also provides a scalable template for extending VetMetrica™ to new diseases and species.
CONCLUSIONS: By augmenting rather than replacing the established VetMetrica™ instruments, this modular approach offers an efficient path to enhanced clinical utility. The methodology provides a template for developing complementary modules across multiple disease states, creating a flexible assessment system that combines generic health assessment with disease-specific precision where required.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
PCR4
Topic
Clinical Outcomes, Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Instrument Development, Validation, & Translation, Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, Veterinary Medicine