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Flexible versus rigid laryngoscopy: A randomized crossover study comparing patient experience
Author(s) -
Clark Bhavishya S.,
Gao William Z.,
Bertelsen Caitlin,
Choi Janet S.,
ShoffelHavakuk Hagit,
Reder Lindsay S.,
Hapner Edie R.,
Johns Michael M.,
O'Dell Karla
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.28491
Subject(s) - crossover study , patient satisfaction , medicine , randomized controlled trial , physical therapy , anesthesia , psychology , surgery , placebo , alternative medicine , pathology
Objectives To compare flexible distal‐chip laryngoscopy (FDL) versus rigid telescopic laryngoscopy (RTL) in regard to examinees' pain level, comfort, satisfaction, and preference, and to evaluate the clinician's assessment of the examinees' experience with both exam types. Study Design Randomized crossover study. Methods Twenty‐three normal adult subjects were recruited to undergo both FDL and RTL; the initial exam type was randomized. Subjects and clinicians completed corresponding questionnaires after each exam. Differences in participant characteristics and questionnaire scores between the two exam types were assessed via Pearson χ 2 and paired t tests, respectively. Results Overall, participants reported that FDL was more uncomfortable than RTL (4.22 vs. 2.91, P = .003) and scored higher on the pain scale for FDL compared to RTL (2.91 vs. 1.70, P = .006). However, there was no significant difference in number of participants who preferred FDL versus RTL (10 [43%] vs. 13 [57%]). Poor correlation was seen between clinicians' assessment of participants' discomfort and actual reported discomfort for FDL (2.70 vs. 4.22, P = .001). Conclusions Subjects undergoing FDL experience greater discomfort and pain compared to RTL, but do not demonstrate a differential preference of exam. Overall, clinicians underestimate the discomfort of patients undergoing FDL, but participants maintain high satisfaction with both exams nonetheless. Level of Evidence 1 Laryngoscope , 130:2663–2666, 2020