Computer-based testing and the 12-item Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain-Revised: A combined approach to improving efficiency

Abstract

Objectives were to combine computer-based stopping rules with the 12-item form of the Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain-Revised (SOAPP-R), and to compare this combined procedure with the full-length (24-item) SOAPP-R, the computer-based stopping rules alone, and the 12-item short form alone. Three datasets were analyzed, including data from 428 subjects from the initial or cross-validation studies of the SOAPP-R; 84 patients from a pain center; and 110 primary care patients. Subjects completed the full-length SOAPP-R and were assessed for aberrant medication-related behaviors. A real-data simulation was conducted to determine the screening characteristics and mean test length of each version of the SOAPP-R. One procedure combining stochastic curtailment with the 12-item short form reduced the mean length by 37% to 42% compared to the short form alone; by 42% to 45% compared to stochastic curtailment alone; and by 68% to 71% compared to the full-length form. The combined procedure had lower mean test lengths, and equal screening characteristics, compared to a procedure coupling curtailment with the 12-item short form. A procedure combining computer-based stopping rules with the 12-item short form of the SOAPP-R has potential to enhance the efficiency of the screener.