Quality of life in laryngeal cancer patients

grantor: University of Toronto'Purpose'. To estimate the magnitude of difference in quality of life (QOL) that is noticeable to patients. 'Materials and methods'. Laryngeal cancer patients (n = 120, 83% male, mean age = 65) completed a health questionnaire, FACT-H&N, and two utility assessments, TTO and DATE. Paired participants subjectively rated their own QOL as compared to each other 'Results'. FACT-H&N was more highly correlated with Karnofsky (r = .43, p = .0001) than with the TTO (r = .29, p = .002) or DATE (r = .35, p = .0003). Subjective comparison ratings were positively skewed. The threshold for ratings of "a little bit better" rather than "just the same" was about 6 units for FACT-H&N, and about 0.05 units for either TTO or DATE. The thresholds for ratings of "a little bit worse" were significantly lower (-12, -0.06, -0.14 units respectively). 'Conclusion'. An arithmetic QOL difference of 5 to 10% was noticeable. Participants were sensitive to a smaller positive than negative difference. Health questionnaire and utility measures may be perceived differently.M.Sc