Comparison of corresponding scores From the cleft hearing appearance and speech questionnaire (CHASQ) and CLEFT-Q in Swedish patients with cleft lip and/or palate

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to compare corresponding scores between 2 existing cleft-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs)-Cleft Hearing Appearance and Speech Questionnaire (CHASQ) and CLEFT-Q. The second aim of the study was to investigate patient opinion on the 2 PROMs. DESIGN: Cross-sectional questionnaire study. SETTING: Participants were recruited from a University Hospital. They answered CHASQ and CLEFT-Q either in the hospital or at home. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-three participants with cleft lip and/or palate, aged 10 to 19 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: CHASQ and CLEFT-Q. RESULTS: The CHASQ scores and the corresponding CLEFT-Q scores on appearance correlated significantly. Corresponding scores regarding speech did not correlate significantly. A majority, 15 (58%) participants, answered that they liked CLEFT-Q more than CHASQ, 18 participants (69%) thought CHASQ was easier to complete, and 19 (76%) thought CLEFT-Q would better inform health care professionals. CONCLUSION: Both instruments showed strengths and limitations. Clinicians will have to consider each instrument's respective qualities when choosing to implement either PROM.Funding agency: Foundation for Research in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Skane University Hospital in Malmo