BACKGROUND
Case history is ranked as the primary form of assessment in the diagnosis and evaluation of voice disorders. Although standardized protocols are available for voice assessment, no such standard questionnaire exists for collecting case history. Part one of this two-part global survey helped identify preferences among otorhinolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists for categories, subcategories, and question formats for questions to be included in a patient-completed voice case history questionnaire. Part two aims to identify the specific questions that can be included in a patient-completed voice case history questionnaire identified from the literature and consensus among professionals.
METHODOLOGY
The part one global survey comprised 217 questions across 12 categories, drawn from published literature. Based on the responses of 135 professionals, 132 questions across 11 categories were identified as most preferred. A Qualtrics survey tool comprising of these 132 questions was used for data collection for part 2 of the global survey among otorhinolaryngologists and speech language pathologists. The data collection was conducted through professional groups and websites, social media platforms and email correspondence.
RESULTS
Fifty-eight professionals across a wide range of work settings and experience across 15 countries responded to the survey. Most respondents had over 10 years of work experience and worked with adults with voice problems several times a week. Over 70% of respondents ranked including a case history questionnaire as important. Questions related to identifying information, onset, symptoms, and health status were most preferred for inclusion. The preferences for the type of questions for screening, diagnosis and treatment prognosis varied.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of part two of the global survey help identify a core set of questions under different categories and sub-categories to be included in a patient-completed voice case history questionnaire.