Thesis

96 Chapter 5 questionnaires and ‘very good’ in one questionnaire. None of the questionnaires scored ‘inadequate’. For feasibility assessment type and ease of administration and length of the instrument and completion time were best assessed in an objective manner. There was very limited information or no mentioning of the feasibility items. Feasibility was scored ‘doubtful’ in three questionnaires, ‘adequate’ in eight questionnaires and ‘very good’ in one questionnaire. None of the questionnaires scored ‘inadequate’. Discussion This paper provides ENT-surgeons with a more comprehensive understanding of the available questionnaires, thus aiding them in selecting the most suitable ear domain specific questionnaire for their specific clinical context or for integration into their healthcare facility. This to give a wide view on the complaints prior and post intervention. Among the questionnaires considered, ten were tailored to specific diseases, focusing on chronic otitis media, vestibular disorders, and vestibular schwannoma, while two were designed to address ear-related issues more broadly (OQUA and COQOL). This finding may be attributed to ENT surgeons’ preference for disease-specific questionnaires, which tend to be less time-consuming, more relevant to the patient and exhibit higher sensitivity. However, it is crucial not to underestimate the potential advantages of wider view of the complaints, as ear complaints almost never are ‘stand-alone’, employing a more domain-specific questionnaire. In an era marked by escalating healthcare demands and the necessity for cost-effective interventions based on PROMs, the utilization of a single, domain-specific questionnaire could yield substantial benefits, even within budget constraints. The OQUA and COQOL can be used in an ear-specific manner, as opposed to single patient level, this can be of additional value particularly in research. Established principles for good PROM design include mentioned well-documented validity, reliability, and responsiveness. In the context of domain specific ear PROMs, additional considerations become paramount. Patient-centred care is becoming increasingly important, recognizing that the role of surgery in ear diseases may not always be straightforward. These PROMs should adeptly capture the patient’s unique perspective and experience, empowering ENT specialists to customize treatments based on individual patient needs.

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