[Evaluation of the questionnaire on voice self-concept by ENT tumor patients]

The questionnaire for the assessment of the voice self-concept (Fragebogen zur Erfassung des stimmlichen Selbstkonzepts, FESS) measures personal aspects such as the relationship with one's own voice and its self-perception. This study is concerned with its applicability in patients with head & neck malignancy. In an earlier anonymous study, a majority of patients rated the questionnaire as easy-to-answer. To gain a better understanding of the remaining difficulties, in this study one-on-one interviews with patients were conducted. Also, the time needed to answer the questionnaire and the Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) were collected.

113 patients after head & neck malignancy completed the questionnaire in the presence of an investigator and were then interviewed on it. Time and voice recordings for AVQI analysis were taken.

From the perspective of a majority of patients, it was easy to complete the questionnaire. For a minority certain items were difficult to answer, some were incomprehensible or the answering scheme too complicated. Mean time consumption was 3 minutes, 90 % finished within 4,5 minutes.

The interviews do not object to the applicability of the questionnaire in general. However, it is not suitable for a minority of patients. The interviews identify a number of critical items and the associated difficulties, so investigators hopefully get a better idea of the limitations in this particular clientele.