Validation of an instrument to measure voice-related quality of life (V-RQOL)

When a patient presents for care of a voice disorder, the clinician attempt s to diagnose the problem, quantify the degree of dysphonia, and prescribe appropriate treatment. Quantification of the degree of dysphonia is often d ifficult, as no universal index of vocal function exists. Decisions about t he nature and intensity of treatment are often based on the magnitude of th e voice-related problems experienced by the patient and the importance that the patient places on those problems, that is, the impact that the voice d isorder is having on the patient's voice-related quality of life (V-RQOL). Measurement of post-treatment outcome is also not standardized. Regardless of how the clinician measures response to treatment, it will typically be m easured by the patient in terms of how his or her voice-related problems ar e affected by the treatment. Measurement of quality of life has not been a traditional part of the evalu ation of the dysphonic patient. This study was undertaken to develop and va lidate an instrument for measuring V-RQOL using a population of 109 voice a nd 22 non-voice patients. The 10-item V-RQOL measure performs well in tests of reliability, validity, and responsiveness, and it carries a low burden. Measurement of V-RQOL is a valuable addition to the evaluation of dysphoni c patients and their treatment outcomes.