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Vanderbilt head and neck symptom survey version 2.0: Report of the development and initial testing of a subscale for assessment of oral health
Author(s) -
Cooperstein Emily,
Gilbert Jill,
Epstein Joel B.,
Dietrich Mary S.,
Bond Stewart M.,
Ridner Sheila H.,
Wells Nancy,
Cmelak Anthony,
Murphy Barbara A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.21816
Subject(s) - medicine , head and neck cancer , oral health , adverse effect , head and neck , patient reported outcome , physical therapy , family medicine , radiation therapy , surgery , quality of life (healthcare) , nursing
Background The prevalence, severity, and functional implications of adverse oral health outcomes attributed to head and neck cancer therapy are largely undefined. We report development of an oral health outcome subscale for the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey (VHNSS). Methods Oral health outcome questions were formulated through literature review and consultation with an expert panel. Questions were incorporated into the VHNSS resulting in a 50‐item survey, scored 0 (none) to 10 (severe). The tool was administered to 70 subjects who completed radiation to assess for feasibility. Results Patient acceptance was high with a completion time <10 minutes. A full range of scores was noted for 46 of 50 questions. Oral health symptom burden was high early and late posttreatment. Conclusions The VHNSS version 2.0 was feasible and could be completed in a timely manner. Validation studies are ongoing. The high prevalence of adverse oral health outcomes warrants further study. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck , 2011