Quality of life in total laryngectomy patients: an analysis of different assessment tools

PURPOSE: to verify the contribution of different questionnaires and a semi-structured interview in the assessment of quality of life in individuals with total laryngectomy. METHODS: quantitative and qualitative research with a semi-structured interview and specific questionnaires for head and neck cancer - UW-QOL, FACT (H&N) and EORTC QLQ (H&N35) - in four patients aged 62-68 years who underwent total removal of the larynx and are in speech therapy for the acquisition of the esophageal speech. RESULTS: the semi-structured interview allowed a better listening. However, population studies hinder its application, and interview questionnaires become the better choice. The EORTC QLQ (H&N) proved to be the most specific questionnaire for speech therapist questions, while the UW-QOL explores further physic questions and the FACT (H&N) covers the emotional/psychological domain. CONCLUSION: the questionnaires and the semi-structured interview presented many specifications and their contribution for the assessment of the quality of life are different. The more appropriate choice depends on the goals of the research and the main factor for the assessment of the quality of life.