Patient-Completed Voice Case History Questionnaire—Part 1: Two-Part Global Survey of Otorhinolaryngologists and Speech-Language Pathologists

Objective(s): This study aimed to (i) identify categories and questions to be included in a patient-completed voice case history questionnaire as informed by the literature, (ii) identify and compare the opinions of otolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) regarding the use of voice case history questionnaires, (iii) identify the categories and subcategories preferred by these professionals for inclusion in voice case history questionnaire, and (iv) analyze and compare the preferences for the question format for response acquisition. Method: A Qualtrics survey was developed using existing literature pertaining to case history questionnaires and via a process of consensus among the research team. This global survey was circulated to otolaryngologists and SLPs with online data collection occurring over 8 months. Respondent data were analyzed and used to refine the case history questionnaire. Results: One hundred and thirty-five respondents completed the survey, including 33 (24.44%) otolaryngologists and 102 (75.56%) SLPs. Both professionals recognized the clinical value of voice case history questionnaires and placed high importance on including them in clinical voice evaluation. There was a consensus to include 11 out of 12 categories and 11 out of 16 subcategories under health and medical history. The most preferred category was “onset of voice problem” by both groups of professionals. Conclusion: Otolaryngologists and SLPs indicated a preference for including similar case history question categories and subcategories, with a preference for this information to be collected in combination of open- and closed-ended response format.