The Recovering Quality of Life 10-item (ReQoL-10) scale in a first-episode psychosis population: Validation and implications for patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Aim: This study aimed to examine the psychometric performance of the Recovering Quality of Life scale 10-item version (ReQoL-10) using a sample from a Singapore first-episode psychosis intervention program, to explore its clinical and sociodemographic correlates, and to discuss its utility as a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM).

Methods: Sociodemographic data, duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), and diagnosis were collected from 300 participants. Clinical data, which included baseline and current scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item version, EuroQoL-5 Dimension 3-level version, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and Global Assessment of Functioning scale, were extracted. The ReQoL-10 was tested for structural validity, internal consistency, and construct validity, and a multiple linear regression determined if any of the baseline factors were statistically significant predictors of the total ReQoL-10 scores.

Results: The mean (SD) total ReQoL-10 score of the sample was 27.8 (7.8). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the bifactor model structure of the ReQoL-10. The instrument demonstrated good internal consistency and adequate construct validity. Being older was associated with higher total ReQoL-10 scores, while being married, having a highest educational level of vocational/diploma, longer DUP, and a diagnosis of affective psychosis were associated with lower total ReQoL-10 scores.

Conclusions: This study has validated the ReQoL-10 as suitable for routine use to measure recovery-specific quality of life in a psychiatric setting among patients with first-episode psychosis, and is a potential tool to initiate recovery conversations. As a PROM, it can facilitate shared decision making, in line with efforts to evaluate and improve quality of care.