The focus on quality of life in patients has led to an increase in production of formal outcome evaluations in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery.
Outcome instruments in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery were compiled into a database from reviews 1-3 and recommendations from the members of the AAO-HNSF. The list was pared into major categories (ie, laryngology, otology/neurotology, rhinology, head and neck surgery, facial plastics, sleep, and allergy) and distributed to members of the Outcomes Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Committee of the AAO-HNS for review. Volunteers from this committee formed subgroups by the major category and evaluated and selected 3 to 5 instruments to include in the database based on the following criteria:
- Quality of life, health-related quality of life, or functional status focus
- Ease of use (including estimated time to complete and availability/accessibility of tool)
- Reliable and valid (based on peer-reviewed literature)
Information about these instruments were further summarized, compiled, and translated to the website. This list is not meant to be exhaustive but rather a primer and foundation for members to access and implement quality of life tools in their practice. There may be tools that meet these criteria that have not been included as an oversight by the subgroups that developed the list. The list will be reviewed periodically and updated as appropriate.
