Comprehensive head and neck oncology health status assessment

• DOI: 10.1002/hed.10245
• Publication Date: 2003-06-10T10:09:29Z
• Authors: Gerry F. Funk; Lucy Hynds Karnell; Alan J. Christensen; Patricia J. Moran; Joan Ricks
• Keywords: Group cohesiveness; Concurrent validity

Abstract Background. This article presents the validation of Head and Neck Cancer Inventory (HNCI), a health status assessment instrument with small number multiple‐item domains that captures patients' ratings functional attitude about function. Methods. The HNCI was administered to patients upper aerodigestive tract carcinoma. An initial, cross‐sectional study assessed feasibility reliability. A subsequent, longitudinal study's factor analysis identified ineffective items confirmed domain cohesiveness. Construct criterion‐related validity sensitivity detect change across time were evaluated. Results. highly reliable. Criterion‐related demonstrated through comparisons other HNC‐specific instruments. based on significant differences between patient groups (HNC/non‐HNC, employment status, clinical stage, type treatment). Domain scores sensitive time. domains' attitudinal significantly different. Conclusions. is reliable, valid evaluates components in HNC patients. survey recommended for self‐reported evaluation trials. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 25: 561–575,