Interpretation of Tonsillectomy Outcome Inventory-14 scores: a prospective matched cohort study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Health Outcomes Research
• Quality of Life Measurement

Background:

• Chronic and recurrent tonsillitis significantly impact adult health-related quality of life (QoL).
• Disease-specific instruments are crucial for evaluating QoL changes in tonsillitis patients.
• The Tonsillectomy Outcome Inventory-14 (TOI-14) is a key instrument for assessing throat-related QoL.

Purpose of the Study:

• To interpret TOI-14 scores by defining typical scores in healthy individuals and tonsillitis patients.
• To determine the minimum important change (MIC) for the TOI-14 instrument.
• To enhance the evaluation of QoL changes associated with tonsillitis.

Main Methods:

• A prospective matched cohort study involving 42 tonsillectomy patients and 42 healthy controls.
• Translation and validation of the Finnish TOI-14 instrument.
• Collection of TOI-14 scores at baseline and 6-month follow-up, compared with an anchor question.

Main Results:

• Pre-tonsillectomy, surgical patients had significantly higher TOI-14 scores (33.0) than controls (5.0).
• Following tonsillectomy, TOI-14 scores improved significantly, reaching control group levels at 6 months.
• Established score interpretations: <15.0 (healthy), ~20.0 (mild), ~30.0 (moderate), ≥40.0 (intense) symptoms; MIC = 10.0 points.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a framework for accurate interpretation of TOI-14 scores in adult throat-related diseases.
• Defined score benchmarks and MIC facilitate better clinical assessment of tonsillectomy outcomes.
• Enhances the utility of disease-specific QoL instruments in otolaryngology.