Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The “Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Head and Neck Cancer”: a Delphi consensus survey among German speaking speech and language therapists

  • Miscellaneous
  • Published:
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The “Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Head and Neck Cancer” (ICF-HNC) is an application of the “International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health” (ICF), representing the characteristic spectrum of issues in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Our primary aim was to evaluate which categories of the ICF-HNC are dealt with by speech and language therapists (SLTs) in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The secondary aim was to identify outcome measures used by SLTs to measure the categories of the ICF-HNC in clinical practice. SLTs experienced in the treatment of HNC patients evaluated the categories of the ICF-HNC in a three-round Delphi survey. They were asked whether the listed categories represented issues treated by SLTs in HNC patients, and what outcome measures were used to assess them. Altogether, 31 SLTs completed the survey. 47 of 108 previously selected categories of the ICF-HNC achieved the cut-off value. Out of these, 40.4% were derived from the component “Body Functions”, 36.2% from “Body Structures”, 12.8% from “Environmental Factors”, and 10.6% from “Activities and Participation”. Altogether, 82 of the mentioned outcome measures were considered as reasonable from the perspective of SLTs. Of these, only 37 achieved more than 50% approval. This study emphasises the importance of “Body Structures” and “Body Functions” for SLTs in Germany and Switzerland in treating patients with HNC. Moreover, the results highlighted the need to agree on evidence-based outcome measures in speech and language therapy.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Roh JL, Kim DH, Kim SY, Park CI (2007) Quality of life and voice in patients after laser cordectomy for Tis and T1 glottic carcinomas. Head Neck 29(11):1010–1016. doi:10.1002/hed.20625

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. McConnel FM, Logemann JA, Rademaker AW, Pauloski BR, Baker SR, Lewin J, Shedd D, Heiser MA, Cardinale S, Collins S, et al. (1994) Surgical variables affecting postoperative swallowing efficiency in oral cancer patients: a pilot study. Laryngoscope 104(1 Pt 1):87–90. doi:10.1288/00005537-199401000-00015

    Google Scholar 

  3. Martini DV, Har-El G, Lucente FE, Slavit DH (1997) Swallowing and pharyngeal function in postoperative pharyngeal cancer patients. Ear Nose Throat J 76 (7):450–453, 456

  4. Pauloski BR, Rademaker AW, Logemann JA, McConnel FM, Heiser MA, Cardinale S, Lazarus CL, Pelzer H, Stein D, Beery Q (2004) Surgical variables affecting swallowing in patients treated for oral/oropharyngeal cancer. Head Neck 26(7):625–636. doi:10.1002/hed.20013

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Pauloski BR, Rademaker AW, Logemann JA, Colangelo LA (1998) Speech and swallowing in irradiated and nonirradiated postsurgical oral cancer patients. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 118(5):616–624

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Pauloski BR, Logemann JA, Colangelo LA, Rademaker AW, McConnel FM, Heiser MA, Cardinale S, Shedd D, Stein D, Beery Q, Myers E, Lewin J, Haxer M, Esclamado R (1998) Surgical variables affecting speech in treated patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Laryngoscope 108(6):908–916

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Day TA, Davis BK, Gillespie MB, Joe JK, Kibbey M, Martin-Harris B, Neville B, Richardson MS, Rosenzweig S, Sharma AK, Smith MM, Stewart S, Stuart RK (2003) Oral cancer treatment. Curr Treat Options Oncol 4(1):27–41

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Tschiesner U, Cieza A, Rogers SN, Piccirillo J, Funk G, Stucki G, Berghaus A (2007) Developing core sets for patients with head and neck cancer based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 264(10):1215–1222. doi:10.1007/s00405-007-0335-8

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. D’Antonio LL, Zimmerman GJ, Cella DF, Long SA (1996) Quality of life and functional status measures in patients with head and neck cancer. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 122(5):482–487

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Tschiesner U, Becker S, Cieza A (2010) Health professional perspective on disability in head and neck cancer. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 136(6):576–583. doi:10.1001/archoto.2010.78

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Gould L, Lewis S (2006) Care of head and neck cancer patients with swallowing difficulties. Br J Nurs 15(20):1091–1096. doi:10.12968/bjon.2006.15.20.22291

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Deutscher Bundesverband für Logopädie e.V. (dbl) (2010) Berufsleitlinien Logopädie. https://www.dbl-ev.de/fileadmin/Inhalte/Publikationen/0008_Berufsleitlinien.pdf.

  13. Krisciunas GP, Sokoloff W, Stepas K, Langmore SE (2012) Survey of usual practice: dysphagia therapy in head and neck cancer patients. Dysphagia 27(4):538–549. doi:10.1007/s00455-012-9404-2

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  14. Tschiesner UM, Rogers SN, Harreus U, Berghaus A, Cieza A (2009) Comparison of outcome measures in head and neck cancer–literature review 2000–2006. Head Neck 31(2):251–259. doi:10.1002/hed.20960

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Deutsches Institut für Medizinische Dokumentation und Information (DIMDI) (2012) Struktur der ICF und Kodestruktur. http://www.dimdi.de/static/de/klassi/icf/struktur.htm.

  16. World Health Organization (2001) International classification of functioning, disability and health. WHO, Geneva

    Google Scholar 

  17. Selb M, Escorpizo R, Kostanjsek N, Stucki G, Ustun B, Cieza A (2015) A guide on how to develop an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 51(1):105–117

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Tschiesner U, Linseisen E, Coenen M, Rogers S, Harreus U, Berghaus A, Cieza A (2009) Evaluating sequelae after head and neck cancer from the patient perspective with the help of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 266(3):425–436. doi:10.1007/s00405-008-0764-z

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Tschiesner U, Rogers S, Dietz A, Yueh B, Cieza A (2010) Development of ICF core sets for head and neck cancer. Head Neck 32(2):210–220. doi:10.1002/hed.21172

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Tschiesner U (2011) Assessment of functioning in patients with head and neck cancer based on the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF). Laryngo-rhino-otologie 90 (9):527–534. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1284414

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Becker S, Kirchberger I, Cieza A, Berghaus A, Harreus U, Reichel O, Tschiesner U (2010) Content validation of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Head and Neck Cancer (HNC): the perspective of psychologists. Psychooncology 19(6):594–605. doi:10.1002/pon.1608

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Leib A, Cieza A, Tschiesner U (2012) Perspective of physicians within a multidisciplinary team: content validation of the comprehensive ICF core set for head and neck cancer. Head Neck 34(7):956–966. doi:10.1002/hed.21844

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Kirschneck M, Sabariego C, Singer S, Tschiesner U (2014) Assessment of functional outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets from the perspective of the multi-professional team: results of 4 Delphi surveys. Head Neck 36(7):954–968. doi:10.1002/hed.23399

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Tschiesner U, Linseisen E, Becker S, Mast G, Rogers SN, Walvekar RR, Berghaus A, Cieza A (2010) Content validation of the international classification of functioning, disability and health core sets for head and neck cancer: a multicentre study. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg = Le Journal d’oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale 39(6):674–687

    Google Scholar 

  25. Jones J, Hunter D (1995) Consensus methods for medical and health services research. BMJ Clin Res 311 (7001):376–380

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Williams PL, Webb C (1994) The Delphi technique: a methodological discussion. J Adv Nurs 19(1):180–186

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Dalkey NC (1969) The Delphi method: an experimental study of group opinion. RAND Corporation, Santa Monica

    Google Scholar 

  28. Licitra L, Bossi P, Locati LD (2006) A multidisciplinary approach to squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck: what is new? Curr Opin Oncol 18(3):253–257. doi:10.1097/01.cco.0000219254.53091.35

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Westin T, Stalfors J (2008) Tumour boards/multidisciplinary head and neck cancer meetings: are they of value to patients, treating staff or a political additional drain on healthcare resources? Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 16(2):103–107. doi:10.1097/MOO.0b013e3282f6a4c4

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Fink DS, Sibley H, Kunduk M, Schexnaildre M, Kakade A, Sutton C, McWhorter AJ (2016) Subjective and objective voice outcomes after transoral laser microsurgery for early glottic cancer. Laryngoscope 126(2):405–407. doi:10.1002/lary.25442

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Pauloski BR (2008) Rehabilitation of dysphagia following head and neck cancer. Phys Med Rehabil Clin North Am 19(4):889–928. doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2008.05.010

    Google Scholar 

  32. Jacobson MC, Franssen E, Fliss DM, Birt BD, Gilbert RW (1995) Free forearm flap in oral reconstruction. Functional outcome. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 121(9):959–964

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Wendler J (1997) Voice disorders. Emphasis in diagnosis and therapy. Laryngo-rhino-otologie 76 (5):327–331. doi:10.1055/s-2007-997436

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Vokes EE, Liebowitz DN, Weichselbaum RR (1997) Nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Lancet 350(9084):1087–1091. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(97)07269-3

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We thank the participants of the survey for their invaluable input and for the time spent on answering the questionnaires.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany

    Matthias Engelbarts, Benjamin Philipp Ernst, Sebastian Strieth & Sven Becker

  2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany

    Vanessa Schuster, Ulrich Kisser & Sven Becker

  3. Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology-IBE, Chair for Public Health and Health Services Research, Research Unit for Biopsychosocial Health, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany

    Carla Sabariego, Marita Stier-Jarmer & Michaela Coenen

  4. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Düsseldorf, Kirchfeldstr. 40, 40217, Düsseldorf, Germany

    Ulrich Harréus

  5. ICF Research Branch, a Cooperation Partner Within the WHO Collaborating Centre for the Family of International Classifications in Germany (at DIMDI), Munich, Germany

    Carla Sabariego, Marita Stier-Jarmer & Michaela Coenen

Authors
  1. Matthias Engelbarts
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Vanessa Schuster
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ulrich Kisser
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Carla Sabariego
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Marita Stier-Jarmer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Michaela Coenen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Benjamin Philipp Ernst
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Sebastian Strieth
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Ulrich Harréus
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Sven Becker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Matthias Engelbarts.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Engelbarts, M., Schuster, V., Kisser, U. et al. The “Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Head and Neck Cancer”: a Delphi consensus survey among German speaking speech and language therapists. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 274, 2589–2599 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-017-4494-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-017-4494-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation