The development and validation of a patient-relevant benefit questionnaire in the treatment of pruritus was described in 50 patients with the condition. Four treatment benefits not already covered in the Patient Benefit Index-Standard Version (PBI-S) were added to obtain a disease-specific instrument. Feasibility testing was conducted in 36 pruritus patients and validated in a sample of 100 patients. The Cronbach's alpha of the needs questionnaire was 0.93 and convergent validity was demonstrated with respect to decreased pruritus and quality of life. The PBI is a valid, reliable and feasible tool for recording patient-reported outcomes in pruritus patients (Blome, C. et al. Br J Dermatol 2009, 161: 1143).