Patient-centred outcome measures in oral surgery: validity and sensitivity

The performances of patient-centred outcome measures after oral surgery were evaluated in a prospective cohort study of 100 patients who had third molar extractions. Participants self-completed a questionnaire incorporating a general health (12-item short form health survey: SF-12) and two specific outcome scales to oral health (oral health impact profile: OHIP-14, and The United Kingdom Oral Health related Quality of Life measure: OHQoL-UK) preoperatively, daily during the immediate postoperative period, and at the review appointment (7-days later). Ninety-seven completed the study. History of 'taking time off' work/study because of pericoronitis during the past year was significantly associated with preoperative OHIP-14 and OHQoL-UK scores. There were significant differences in SF-12, OHIP-14, OHQoL-UK scores during the immediate postoperative period compared with preoperatively, when postoperative symptoms were prevalent. At the review appointment, OHIP-14 and OHQoL-UKscores were associated with clinical findings. The measures were valid and sensate in relation to oral surgery. However, those specific to oral health were more discerning than the general scale.