21 research outputs found
The feasibility and test–retest reliability of the Dutch Swal-Qol adapted interview version for dysphagic patients with communicative and/or cognitive problems
Articulation handicap index: an instrument for quantifying psychosocial consequences of impaired articulation
Functional and quality of life outcomes after partial glossectomy: a multi-institutional longitudinal study of the head and neck research network
Quality of Life in Patients with Reconstructions After Resections for Oral Cavity Cancers
Computerized monitoring of patient-reported speech and swallowing problems in head and neck cancer patients in clinical practice
Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate computerized monitoring of speech and swallowing outcomes and its impact on quality of life (QoL) and emotional well-being in head and neck cancer patients in an outpatient clinic. Methods Sixty-seven patients, treated by single or multimodality treatment, completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in an outpatient clinic, using a touch screen computer system (OncoQuest), at baseline (at time of diagnosis) and first follow-up (1 month after end of treatment). Results Tumor sites included oral cavity (n=12), oropharynx (n=18), hypopharynx (n=8), and larynx (n=29). Tumor stage included carcinoma in situ (n=3), stage I (n=21), stage II (n= 7), stage III (n=15), and IV (n=21). No speech or swallowing problems at baseline or follow-up were noted in 23%(speech) and 41 % (swallowing) of patients. Twenty-one percent (speech) and 19 % (swallowing) had problems at baseline and returned to normal scores at follow-up, while 16 % (speech) and 19%(swallowing) had normal scores at baseline and developed problems at follow-up. Forty percent (speech) and 21 % (swallowing) had persistent problems from baseline to follow-up. At baseline, speech problems were significantly related to tumor site and emotional distress. At baseline and follow-up, swallowing problems were significantly related to QoL and emotional distress. At follow-up, speech problems were significantly related to QoL, emotional distress, and swallowing problems. Conclusions Monitoring speech and swallowing problems through OncoQuest in an outpatient clinic is feasible. Many patients report speech and swallowing problems, negatively affecting their QoL and emotional well-being. © Springer-Verlag 2012