Development of a Pre-Operative Psychological Screening Tool: Piloting the Cosmetic Readiness Questionnaire (Pilot-CRQ)

Background Patients with psychological risk factors, such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and unmanaged mental health concerns are considered higher risk of dissatisfaction with aesthetic procedures. Identifying these risks before a procedure may decrease the chance of adverse outcomes for patients and practitioners. Objectives This study aimed to develop a comprehensive psychological screening tool to assess patient’s psychological suitability for surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. Methods Items for the Pilot-Cosmetic Readiness Questionnaire (CRQ) were developed by psychologists (n = 3) and then reviewed by plastic surgeons (n = 2) and non-surgical cosmetic doctors (n = 3). Patient interviews (n = 15) and piloting of the questionnaire (n = 69) provide data to examine the scale’s initial psychometric properties. Results Results supported the reliability and validity of the Pilot-CRQ’s subscales of Body Dysmorphia, Psychological Distress, Self-Criticism, Perfectionism, and Lack of Openness. ‘Lack of Openness’ is a validity scale which examines the degree that respondents may be underreporting symptoms. The CRQ predicted individuals with a BDD diagnosis as rated by a blinded expert clinical psychologist, with high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions These results provide support for the Pilot-CRQ in identifying people with BDD and psychological factors related to aesthetic treatment outcomes and provide a strong basis for using the CRQ in clinical contexts and in future research.