A visual analog scale for patient‐reported voice outcomes: The VAS voice

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Although patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can be useful for assessing quality of life, they can be complex and cognitively burdensome. In this study, we prospectively evaluated a simple patient-reported voice assessment measure on a visual analog scale (VAS voice) and compared it with the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective survey. METHODS: An abbreviated voice measure was designed by a team of otolaryngologists, speech pathologists, and patients that consisted of four VAS questions related to (a) a global question of voice disturbance, (b) physical function of voice, (c) functional issues, and (d) emotional handicap. All English-speaking patients presenting to an academic laryngology clinic for a voice complaint were included. Internal consistency and validity were assessed with comparison to the VHI-10. RESULTS: < .0001), and the Cronbach's alpha between all four VAS questions was .94. Age, gender, and diagnosis were not associated with either the global VAS or VHI-10 tool. CONCLUSION: Reducing the complexity of instruments assessing voice-related quality of life is feasible, and the VAS voice correlated with existing measures. Simplified assessments may offer advantages compared to more cumbersome PROMs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c.