Development of a history-taking form for mesothelioma patients at risk of exposure to asbestos.

BACKGROUND: Mesothelioma is causally established to be primarily related to asbestos exposure as a risk factor. Before considering other possible causative factors for mesothelioma, a detailed exposure history is warranted, which looks at possible prior exposures to asbestos. Some exposures may be unknown to patients, may be forgotten or may not be readily available as a comprehensive tool for the clinicians dealing with mesothelioma patients. METHODS: We used the Delphi anonymous consensus technique to develop and validate a detailed, seven-sectioned, and comprehensive questionnaire that can be readily used by clinicians and researchers. Over two rounds, the experts followed a thorough and rigorous process to validate the questionnaire, including medical history along with occupational, non-occupational as well as para-occupational exposure to asbestos, and many other parameters that can be both rule in and rule out the possibility of mesothelioma. Questions have also been included to factor in other types of dust exposure for an informed differential diagnosis. RESULTS: We have created a readily available history-taking questionnaire validated by experts, which can be replicated for other conditions and become an essential tool for diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Apart from accurate and informed diagnosis, this documentation can be valuable for epidemiological, research, policy-informing, legal and compensation related issues.