Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Videolaryngoscopy and Stroboscopy Reporting Tool (VSRT)

Effective diagnosis and treatment of voice/laryngeal disorders depend on comprehensive assessments, among which direct visual evaluation of the larynx primarily via videolaryngoscopy and videostroboscopy is a cornerstone. The main issue with these evaluations is that they only provide complex, uninterpreted images. However, for clinical diagnosis, treatment outcome assessment, and even higher-level voice research, well-defined, standardized, and quantifiable parameters are required. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive, valid, and reliable tool for reporting the results of videolaryngoscopy and videostroboscopy of the larynx. This tool can help to provide more effective treatment and establish a common language in instrumental assessments.

The study was conducted in two phases: (1) tool development through a review of existing scientific and expert consultation (input from the research team), resulting in the initial version of the Videolaryngoscopy and Stroboscopy Reporting Tool (VSRT); and (2) psychometric evaluation was conducted, including both quantitative and qualitative assessments of content validity using the opinions of experts active in the field of voice/laryngeal disorder evaluation and treatment, qualitative face validity via interviews with speech-language pathologists, otolaryngologists, and laryngologists, and reliability evaluation through intra-rater and inter-rater reliability methods.

The first phase of the study resulted in the development of an initial tool with 19 items. After evaluating the qualitative content validity by the experts, the number of tool items increased to 20. Following content validation, guide images were added to some items, and the scoring method for some items was modified. No items were removed during the content validity ratio and content validity index determination, as all items met the predefined inclusion criteria. In the face validity stage, explanations were added to some items to facilitate completion based on feedback to enhance usability. The intra-rater reliability ranged from 0.644 to 0.986 (categorical items) and 0.456 to 0.991 (numeric items); inter-rater reliability ranged from 0.238 to 0.814 (categorical items) and 0.609 to 0.893 (numeric items).

The VSRT is a standardized 20-item instrument for reporting videolaryngoscopy and stroboscopy findings. Its psychometric properties support its utility in clinical and research contexts, offering improved clarity, interpretability, treatment planning, and consistency across interdisciplinary teams.