title: Techniques for outcomes research in chronic sinusitis.
abstract: Accurate assessment of patient outcome after sinus surgery requires the collection of valid and reliable data. Symptom-based surveys were administered in a prospective manner to 104 patients with chronic sinusitis. Test-retest reliability for the Chronic Sinusitis Survey based on duration of symptoms (0.86, P < .0001) was superior to that for a similar survey based on severity of symptoms (0.57, P < .0001). Results of the Chronic Sinusitis Survey also correlated significantly with subscales of a general health assessment in the extent to which chronic sinusitis limits physical activity (0.40, P < .01), interferes with work or other activities (0.36, P < .01), and affects patient perception of bodily pain (0.46, P < .001). The Chronic Sinusitis Survey is an efficient and reliable method to follow health status and health-related quality of life outcomes in patients with chronic sinusitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston 02114, USA.
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Gliklich
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Metson
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000503:physiopathology; D012649:Self Concept; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014937:Work