Assessing functional outcomes in head and neck surgical oncology

Abstract

Background

A reliable method of measuring functional outcomes is essential to inform treatment decisions in head and neck cancer.

Methods

Members of the American Head and Neck Society were surveyed regarding their use of functional outcome assessment tools. Qualitative statistical analysis was performed to identify major tools used and to clarify obstacles to functional outcome assessment. A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify available tools.

Results

A total of 142 surgeons were surveyed. 44.12% of respondents use at least 1 tool to assess functional outcomes. The most frequently used tools were modified barium swallow, MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory, and functional endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES). 72.65% of respondents reported barriers to assessment, most frequently a lack of support to administer the tests or to collect, apply or analyze the results. Review of the literature revealed 173 available tools.

Conclusions

Although a wide variety of validated tools are available in the literature to assess functional outcomes after head and neck surgery, major obstacles to their use persist. The lack of a standard measure that is practical and transferable continues to impair research progression in this field.

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