Validation of the Distress Thermometer and Problem List in Patients with Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis

Michel R. M. San Giorgi, Leena-Maija Aaltonen, Heikki Rihkanen, Robin E. A. Tjon Pian Gi, Bernard F. A. M. van der Laan, Josette E. H. M. Hoekstra-Weebers, Frederik G. Dikkers

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Abstract

Objective. There is no specific clinical tool for physicians to detect psychosocial and physical distress or health care need in patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). The main aim of this study is to validate the RRP-adapted Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DT&PL). Study Design. Prospective cross-sectional questionnaire research. Setting. Academic tertiary care medical centers in Groningen, Netherlands, and Helsinki, Finland. Subjects and Methods. Ninety-one juvenile- and adult-onset RRP patients participated from the departments of otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery of the University Medical Center Groningen, Netherlands, and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used as the gold standard. Results. A DT cutoff score 4 gave the best sensitivity and specificity. Thirty-one percent of patients had significant distress according to the DT cutoff. Significantly more patients with a score above than under the cutoff had a referral wish. The PL appeared to be reliable. Patients' opinions on the DT&PL were largely favorable. Conclusion. The Dutch and Finnish versions of the DT&PL are valid, reliable screening tools for distress in RRP patients
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)180-188
JournalOtolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Volume156
Issue number1
Early online date2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

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