A Tool for Rapid Assessment of Functional Outcomes in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer.

ABSTRACT: Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment can lead to various functional impairments. We developed and validated an instrument for rapid physician-rated assessment of basic functional outcomes in HNC patients. HNC-relevant functional domains were identified through a literature review and assigned to verbal ratings based on observable criteria. The instrument draft was subjected to systematic expert review to assess its face and content validity. Finally, the empirical validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the expert-adapted Functional Integrity in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC-FIT) scales were assessed in healthy controls and in HNC patients. A matrix of the 6 functional domains of oral food intake, respiration, speech, pain, mood, and neck and shoulder mobility was created, each wi

SUBMITTER: Dejaco D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8582907 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature