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Optimising outcome assessment of voice interventions, I: reliability and validity of three self-reported scales

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 March 2007

A L Webb ,
P N Carding ,
I J Deary ,
K MacKenzie ,
I N Steen  and
J A Wilson
A L Webb
Affiliation:
Department of Speech & Language Therapy, Institute of Health and Society, Scotland, UK
P N Carding
Affiliation:
Department of Speech & Language Therapy, Institute of Health and Society, Scotland, UK
I J Deary
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
K MacKenzie*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
I N Steen
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
J A Wilson
Affiliation:
Institute of Health and Society, Scotland, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Kenneth MacKenzie, Department of ORL-HNS, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G31 2ER, Scotland, UK. E-mail: kenneth.mackenzie@northglasgow.scot.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Background:

There is an increasing choice of voice outcome research tools, but good comparative data are lacking.

Objective:

To evaluate the reliability and validity of three voice-specific, self-reported scales.

Design:

Longitudinal, cohort comparison study.

Setting:

Two UK voice clinics: the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, and the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Participants:

One hundred and eighty-one patients presenting with dysphonia.

Main outcome measures:

All patients completed the vocal performance questionnaire, the voice handicap index and the voice symptom scale. For comparison, each patient's voice was recorded and assessed perceptually using the grade–roughness–breathiness–aesthenia–strain scale. The reliability and validity of the three self-reported vocal performance measures were assessed in all subjects, while 50 completed the questionnaires again to assess repeatability.

Results:

The results of the 170 participants with completed data sets showed that all three questionnaires had high levels of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.81–0.95) and repeatability (voice handicap index = 0.83; vocal performance questionnaire = 0.75; voice symptom scale = 0.63). Concurrent and criterion validity were also good, although, of the grade–roughness–breathiness–aesthenia–strain subscales, roughness was the least well correlated with the self-reported measures.

Conclusion:

The vocal performance questionnaire, the voice handicap index and the voice symptom scale are all reliable and valid instruments for measuring the patient-perceived impact of a voice disorder.

Keywords

VoiceVoice QualityQuality of LifeOutcome Assessment (Healthcare)Outcome Measures
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 121 , Issue 8 , August 2007 , pp. 763 - 767
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2007

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